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Q79·GS Paper 1 · Prelims 2026

Definition of Law under Article 13

PolityJudiciary & Legal FrameworkFactual singleEasyStatic

Question

X was addressing a seminar on the meaning of the term 'law' as provided under Article 13, Part III of the Constitution of India. 'X' explained that the meaning of the term 'law' in the Constitution of India was very comprehensive. It included ordinances, orders and even rules and regulations. Y pointed out that the term 'law' in Article 13 also included custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law, to which 'X' was not convinced . Based on the above, select the correct conclusion from the options given below: (a) X' is correct in the interpretation of law, including the view on non-inclusion of custom . (b) The view of 'Y' that 'law' included custom is not correct . (c) The views of both 'X' and 'Y' are correct . (d) The view of only 'Y' is correct.

Options

a

X' is correct in the interpretation of law, including the view on non-inclusion of custom.

b

The view of 'Y' that 'law' included custom is not correct.

c

The views of both 'X' and 'Y' are correct.

d

The view of only 'Y' is correct.

Answer

Explanation

The correct answer is (d). Article 13(3)(a) of the Indian Constitution explicitly defines 'law' to include any Ordinance, order, bye-law, rule, regulation, notification, custom or usage having within the territory of India the force of law. Because the text of the Constitution includes custom and usage with legal force under this definition, Y's statement is completely correct, while X's position that custom is excluded is constitutionally incorrect.

Article 13 of the Constitution explicitly includes customs and usages that hold the force of law within its definition.

Question details

Year

2026

Paper

GS Paper 1

Question

Q79

Subject

Polity

Sub-topic

Judiciary & Legal Framework

Type

Factual single

Difficulty

Easy

Nature

Static

Source hint

M. Laxmikanth Indian Polity Ch.7 Fundamental Rights

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