Which of the following Articles was added by the 42nd Amendment Act, 1976?

Correct option is A

The correct answer is (a) Article 31D

Explanation:

• Article 31D was added by the 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 during the Emergency period.

• It dealt with the “Saving of laws in respect of anti-national activities”, allowing Parliament to make laws to prevent or prohibit such activities and associations.

• It was seen as a tool to suppress dissent and was criticized for being against democratic values.

• Due to its controversial nature, Article 31D was later repealed by the 43rd Amendment Act, 1977.

• Thus, even though temporary, it was indeed added by the 42nd Amendment.

Information Booster:

• The 42nd Amendment is often referred to as the “Mini Constitution” due to the extensive changes it made.

• It inserted the words “Socialist,” “Secular,” and “Integrity” into the Preamble.

• It also curtailed the powers of the judiciary and strengthened the central government.

Additional Knowledge:

Article 31 (Option b)

• Related to the Right to Property, which was originally a Fundamental Right.

• It was not added by the 42nd Amendment.

• It was later removed as a Fundamental Right by the 44th Amendment Act, 1978 and made a legal right under Article 300A.

Article 101 (Option c)

• Deals with vacation of seats in Parliament.

• It was part of the original Constitution, not added by the 42nd Amendment.

Article 22 (Option d)

• Provides protection against arrest and detention, including preventive detention safeguards.

• It was also part of the original Constitution and remained unchanged by the 42nd Amendment.