UPSC Prelims 2004 Q146: Indian Polity – Constitutional Framework & Development
Which one of the following is the correct sequence in the descending order of precedence
in the warrant of precedence?
- (a) Attorney General of India - Judges of the Supreme Court - Members of Parliament - Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha
- (b) Judges of the Supreme Court - Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha - Attorney General of India - Members of Parliament
- (c) Attorney General of India - Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha - Judges of the Supreme Court - Members of Parliament
- (d) Judges of the Supreme Court - Attorney General of India - Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha - Members of Parliament
Answer: (b) Judges of the Supreme Court - Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha - Attorney General of India - Members of Parliament
Explanation
Warrant of precedence
| Office | Rank in the warrant of precedence |
|---|---|
| Judges of the Supreme Court | Highest of the four |
| Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha | Below the judges |
| Attorney General of India | Below the Deputy Chairman |
| Members of Parliament | Lowest of the four |
In descending order the sequence is Judges of the Supreme Court - Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha - Attorney General of India - Members of Parliament.
Answer: (b) Judges of the Supreme Court - Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha - Attorney General of India - Members of Parliament.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The Attorney General ranks below the Supreme Court judges.
- (b) CORRECT. Judges, Deputy Chairman, Attorney General, MPs.
- (c) Incorrect. The Attorney General ranks below the judges.
- (d) Incorrect. The Deputy Chairman ranks above the Attorney General.
Key point
Warrant: President, VP, PM, Governors, CJI, Speaker, Cabinet ministers, Judges, Deputy Chairman, MPs.
Remember
Judges of the Supreme Court rank above the Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha.
Common mistakes
- Placing the Attorney General above judges.
- Putting MPs above the Deputy Chairman.
- Confusing the warrant with constitutional status.
Exam tip
Warrant of precedence is an executive order, not constitutional.
Sources
- Ministry of Home Affairs — Table of Precedence
- Government of India, Ministry of Home Affairs — Warrant of Precedence (1979, as amended)