UPSC Prelims 2009 Q77: Indian Polity – Local Government & Panchayati Raj

UPSC Prelims 2009, General Studies Paper I · Indian Polity

If a Panchayat is dissolved, elections are to be held within

Answer: (c) 6 months

Explanation

Time limit for fresh Panchayat elections after dissolution

The Constitution mandates a specific timeframe to restore local self-government after a Panchayat is dissolved.

Option	Verdict	Reason
(a) 1 month	Incorrect	This is too short a window specified by the Constitution
(b) 3 months	Incorrect	Also not the mandated window
(c) 6 months	Correct	Under Article 243E, if a Panchayat is dissolved, fresh elections must be held within 6 months of the dissolution
(d) 1 year	Incorrect	This exceeds the mandated constitutional window

Panchayat dissolution and re-election:

Point	Detail
Constitutional basis	Article 243E
Timeframe	6 months from dissolution

Answer: (c) 6 months.

(a) Incorrect. 1 month is too short a window per the constitutional provision.
(b) Incorrect. 3 months is also not the mandated window.
(c) CORRECT. Article 243E mandates fresh Panchayat elections within 6 months of dissolution.
(d) Incorrect. 1 year exceeds the mandated window.

Under Article 243E, fresh elections must be held within SIX MONTHS of a Panchayat's dissolution.

If a Panchayat is dissolved, elections must be held within 6 months (Article 243E).

Confusing this 6-month Panchayat re-election window with other, different constitutional timeframes.
Not knowing the specific Article 243E basis for this provision.
Overestimating or underestimating the mandated window duration.

Panchayat dissolved → fresh elections within 6 months (Article 243E). A specific, frequently tested local-governance timeline.