‘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:
Answer & explanation
Answer: (d) The view of only ‘Y’ is correct.
Article 13(3)(a) defines 'law' to include ordinances, orders, rules, regulations and notifications, and also custom or usage having the force of law in India. So X was right about what 'law' covers but wrong to doubt that custom is included; only Y's view is correct.
- ✗ (a) X's list is right as far as it goes, but he is wrong to leave out custom or usage, which Article 13(3)(a) expressly includes.
- ✗ (b) Y's view is exactly what Article 13(3)(a) says, so it cannot be called incorrect.
- ✗ (c) X's doubt about custom or usage is not sustained, so both cannot be correct.
- ✓ (d) Only Y is correct: the definition covers ordinances, orders, bye-laws, rules, regulations, notifications and custom or usage having the force of law.
Remember · Art 13(3)(a): 'law' = ordinance, order, bye-law, rule, regulation, notification, custom or usage with the force of law. Any such 'law' that violates a Fundamental Right is void.
Sources
- Constitution of India (Legislative Department, Government of India), Article 13(3) ↗ “(a) “law” includes any Ordinance, order, bye-law, rule, regulation, notification, custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law;”
Question and answer: UPSC's provisional GS Paper I (2026, Series A) — paper ↗ · answer key ↗. Explanation: Minimalist IAS, checked 30 Sept 2026 (how we verify). ·