Prelims 2012 · archive
EasyConsider the following statements:
- 1.Union Territories are not represented in the Rajya Sabha.
- 2.It is within the purview of the Chief Election Commissioner to adjudicate the election disputes.
- 3.According to the Constitution of India, the Parliament consists of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha only.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Answer & explanation
Answer: (d) None
All three statements are wrong. Union Territories do send representatives to the Rajya Sabha. Election disputes are decided by courts, not by the Chief Election Commissioner. The President is also a part of Parliament, along with the two Houses.
- ✗ 1. Article 80 provides for representatives of the Union territories in the Rajya Sabha, chosen in the manner Parliament prescribes by law. In 2012, Delhi and Puducherry sent members.
- ✗ 2. Article 329(b) says an election to Parliament or a State Legislature can be questioned only through an election petition. Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951, the High Court tries such petitions. Disputes about the President's or Vice-President's election go to the Supreme Court (Article 71). The Election Commission conducts elections (Article 324); it does not adjudicate them.
- ✗ 3. Article 79 makes the President a component of Parliament, alongside the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. So a description of Parliament as the two Houses 'only' is wrong.
Remember · Parliament = President + Lok Sabha + Rajya Sabha (Art 79). Union Territories do send members to the Rajya Sabha. Election petitions go to the High Court, and the Supreme Court decides President/Vice-President disputes.
Sources
- Constitution of India, Article 79 (Constitution of Parliament) ↗ “There shall be a Parliament for the Union which shall consist of the President and two Houses … The representatives of the 2[Union territories] in the Council of States shall be chosen in such manner as Parliament may by law prescribe. … no election to either House of Parliament or to the House or either House of the Legislature of a State shall be called in question except by an election petition”
- Representation of the People Act, 1951, sections 80 and 80A ↗ “No election shall be called in question except by an election petition presented in accordance with the provisions of this Part. 6[80A. High Court to try election petitions.—(1) The Court having jurisdiction to try an election petition shall be the High Court.”
Question: UPSC Civil Services (Preliminary) 2012, General Studies paper. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 25 Oct 2026 (how we verify). ·