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UPSC Prelims 2026 GS Paper 1, question 54

Topic: Polity and governance

Q54

‘X’ was addressing a seminar on the meaning of the term ‘law’ as provided under Article 13, Part III of the Constitution of India. ‘X’ explained that the meaning of the term ‘law’ in the Constitution of India was very comprehensive. It included ordinances, orders and even rules and regulations. ‘Y’ pointed out that the term ‘law’ in Article 13 also included custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law, to which ‘X’ was not convinced.

Based on the above, select the correct conclusion from the options given below :

  1. (a) ‘X’ is correct in the interpretation of law, including the view on non-inclusion of custom.
  2. (b) The view of ‘Y’ that ‘law’ included custom is not correct.
  3. (c) The views of both ‘X’ and ‘Y’ are correct.
  4. (d) The view of only ‘Y’ is correct.Correct answer

Solution.

Answer: (d) The view of only ‘Y’ is correct.

  1. Under Article 13(3)(a) of the Constitution of India, unless the context otherwise requires, the term 'law' includes any Ordinance, order, bye-law, rule, regulation, notification, custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law.
  2. While X listed ordinances, orders, rules, and regulations, X was not convinced that 'law' under Article 13 includes custom or usage having the force of law, making X's overall position on the scope of Article 13(3)(a) incomplete and incorrect.
  3. Y rightly pointed out that 'law' in Article 13 also includes custom or usage having the force of law in the territory of India, so only Y's view is completely correct.

Trap: If X's view is evaluated solely on X's affirmative first statement (that 'law' includes ordinances, orders, rules, and regulations) while ignoring X's rejection of custom, option (c) is the competing reading.