Topic Details (Notes format)

Doctrine of Severability

Subject: Polity

Book: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

Allows courts to separate the unconstitutional portion of a statute from the rest, retaining valid segments. Rooted in Article 13, it prevents entire laws from being struck down if partial severance can rectify the conflict with fundamental rights. For instance, if a specific clause contravenes Article 14, the court may sever that clause but uphold the remainder. The test is whether the invalid part can be isolated without altering the legislative intent. This principle prevents legislative chaos by salvaging lawful sections and aligns with the Constitution’s approach of minimal interference in valid legislative domains.

Practice Questions

Who among the following was the first woman Governor of an Indian state?

What is the maximum strength of the Rajya Sabha?

Which article of the Indian Constitution provides for the protection of interests of minorities?

न्यायाधीशों की नियुक्ति में किस समिति की सिफारिश ली जाती है?

कार्यपालिका और विधानपालिका के बीच संतुलन किस सिद्धांत पर आधारित है?

संसद के अधिवेशन की अवधि किस आधार पर निर्धारित होती है?

संसद के अध्यक्ष को किस नाम से जाना जाता है?

मौलिक अधिकारों के उल्लंघन पर तत्काल न्यायिक राहत किस अनुच्छेद में दी जाती है?

What is the minimum age for a person to contest elections for the Lok Sabha?

Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?