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

The Parliament of India consists of which of the following?

Who is the first citizen of India?

विधान सभा के चुनाव में किस निर्वाचन प्रणाली का उपयोग होता है?

Which of the following is NOT a feature of the Indian Constitution?

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

Which of the following is a Fundamental Duty under the Indian Constitution?

संसद में विधेयक पर पुनर्विचार का अधिकार किसे है?

What is the procedure for impeachment of the President of India?

राष्ट्रपति के आदेशों को निरस्त करने का अधिकार किसके पास है?

संसद के अधिवेशन के अंतराल का निर्धारण किसके द्वारा किया जाता है?