SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 5

Solution: The correct answer is Power to declare laws unconstitutional and strike them down through judicial review.
Explanation:
☛ The Supreme Court of India is designated as the "Guardian of the Constitution" and the protector of Fundamental Rights.
☛ Through the power of Judicial Review, the Supreme Court examines the constitutionality of legislative enactments and executive orders of both the Central and State governments.
☛ Under Article 13, any law that infringes upon or is inconsistent with Fundamental Rights is declared void.
☛ If any statute violates the constitutional provisions or the Basic Structure of the Constitution, the Supreme Court has the authority to declare it unconstitutional and strike it down.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ Appointment of Judges: The Chief Justice of India and other judges are appointed by the President of India under Article 124(2), not solely by the Supreme Court itself.
☛ Article 137: Empowers the Supreme Court to review any judgment pronounced or order made by it, ensuring correction of any judicial error.
☛ Concept of Judicial Review: The concept of judicial review in the Indian Constitution was adopted from the Constitution of the United States of America.
☛ Basic Structure Doctrine: Propounded in the landmark Kesavananda Bharati case (1973), which established that Parliament cannot alter the basic framework of the Constitution.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ Which Article of the Indian Constitution expressly provides for the doctrine of Judicial Review? → Article 13
☛ Which Article empowers the Supreme Court to issue writs for the enforcement of Fundamental Rights? → Article 32
☛ In which historic case was the 'Basic Structure Doctrine' established by the Supreme Court? → Kesavananda Bharati case (1973)
☛ Under which Article does the Supreme Court have the power of advisory jurisdiction? → Article 143
☛ Who described Article 32 as the "Heart and Soul of the Constitution"? → Dr. B. R. Ambedkar