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

Which of the following is a provision of the Indian Constitution regarding the Emergency?

राज्यों के बीच शक्तियों का संतुलन किस सिद्धांत पर आधारित है?

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

राज्यपाल के कर्तव्य किस अनुच्छेद में दिए गए हैं?

न्यायिक स्वतंत्रता सुनिश्चित करने के लिए किस सिद्धांत का पालन किया जाता है?

Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the creation of the All India Services?

Who appoints the Chief Justice of India?

Who was the first woman Chief Minister in India?

Who appoints the Chief Election Commissioner of India?

Who has the authority to remove the Vice President of India from office?