UPSC Prelims 2015— Question 61

Correct answer: Option D. The Supreme Court is regarded as the final judicial guardian or custodian of the Constitution because it interprets constitutional provisions and exercises judicial review. Through its decisions, it can invalidate laws or executive actions that violate constitutional limits. The President, Prime Minister and Lok Sabha Secretariat do not perform this judicial constitutional role. Option-wise analysis: Option A: “The President of India” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option B: “The Prime Minister of India” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option C: “The Lok Sabha Secretariat” is incorrect. It does not match the specific fact, definition, institutional role, geographical association, or constitutional/economic principle required here. The key distinction is the one identified in the core explanation, so this option can be eliminated. Option D: “The Supreme Court of India” is correct. It directly matches the factual or conceptual requirement tested by the question and is supported by the principle explained above. Prelims takeaway: Focus on the precise institutional role, constitutional provision, geographical association, or technical definition being tested. UPSC questions often place a broadly familiar fact beside a narrowly incorrect qualifier; identifying that qualifier is essential for elimination.