Definition of Law under Article 13
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
X' is correct in the interpretation of law, including the view on non-inclusion of custom.
The view of 'Y' that 'law' included custom is not correct.
The views of both 'X' and 'Y' are correct.
The view of only 'Y' is correct.
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.
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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