UPSC Prelims 2006 Q50: Indian Polity – Constitutional & Statutory Bodies
Which one among the following commissions was set up in pursuance of a definite provision
under an Article of the Constitution of India?
- (a) University Grants Commission
- (b) National Human Rights Commission
- (c) Election Commission
- (d) Central Vigilance Commission
Answer: (c) Election Commission
Explanation
Commissions and their legal basis
| Commission | Basis |
|---|---|
| University Grants Commission | Statutory, UGC Act, 1956 |
| National Human Rights Commission | Statutory, Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993 |
| Election Commission | Constitutional body under Article 324 |
| Central Vigilance Commission | Created by executive resolution (1964), later statutory |
Only the Election Commission was set up in pursuance of a definite constitutional Article, Article 324.
Answer: (c) Election Commission.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. The UGC is established by an Act of Parliament, not an Article.
- (b) Incorrect. The NHRC is established under the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
- (c) CORRECT. The Election Commission derives from Article 324 of the Constitution.
- (d) Incorrect. The CVC originated from an executive resolution and later an Act.
Key point
The Election Commission exists under Article 324 of the Constitution, unlike the UGC, NHRC and CVC.
Remember
Election Commission: Article 324.
Common mistakes
- Treating all commissions as constitutional bodies.
- Confusing the NHRC (statutory) with the Election Commission.
- Forgetting that the Finance Commission is under Article 280.
Exam tip
Constitutional commissions: Election Commission (324), Finance (280), UPSC (315), SC/ST (338).
Sources
- Constitution of India — Article 324
- M. Laxmikanth — Indian Polity (Election Commission)
- NCERT Class XI Political Science — Indian Constitution at Work — Election and Representation