UPSC Prelims 2004 Q5: Indian Polity – Constitutional Framework & Development
Which one of the following statements is correct?
- (a) The Constitution Assembly of India was elected by the Provincial Assemblies in the year 1946.
- (b) Jawaharlal Nehru, M.A. Jinnah and Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel were members of the Constituent Assembly of India.
- (c) The First Session of the Constituent Assembly of India was held in January, 1947.
- (d) The Constitution of India was adopted on 26th January, 1950.
Answer: (a) The Constitution Assembly of India was elected by the Provincial Assemblies in the year 1946.
Explanation
Constituent Assembly of India
| Statement | Verdict |
|---|---|
| a. Elected by the Provincial Assemblies in 1946 | True — indirect election in July 1946 |
| b. Nehru, Jinnah and Patel were members | False: Jinnah was not a member |
| c. First session in January 1947 | False: first session was in December 1946 |
| d. Constitution adopted on 26 January 1950 | False: adopted on 26 November 1949, in force 26 January 1950 |
Only statement (a) is correct. The members were elected by the provincial legislative assemblies under the Cabinet Mission Plan.
Answer: (a) The Constitution Assembly of India was elected by the Provincial Assemblies in the year 1946.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) CORRECT. The Assembly was indirectly elected by the Provincial Assemblies in 1946.
- (b) Incorrect. Jinnah was not a member.
- (c) Incorrect. The first session was held on 9 December 1946.
- (d) Incorrect. The Constitution was adopted on 26 November 1949.
Key point
Cabinet Mission 1946: Constituent Assembly of 389 members, elected by Provincial Assemblies.
Remember
The Constituent Assembly was elected by the provincial assemblies in 1946.
Common mistakes
- Mixing adoption (26 November 1949) with commencement (26 January 1950).
- Thinking the Assembly was elected by adult franchise.
- Believing Jinnah took his seat in it.
Exam tip
Adopted: 26 Nov 1949. In force: 26 Jan 1950.
Sources
- Constituent Assembly of India — Constituent Assembly Debates, Volume I (first session, 9 December 1946)
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Making of the Constitution)