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Fundamental Rights

Doctrine of Eclipse Practice Questions

38 free Doctrine of Eclipse practice questions for the Indian Polity. Tap an option to answer — you get instant feedback, the correct answer, and a detailed explanation for every question.

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Question 1 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse primarily deals with laws that are inconsistent with which part of the Constitution?

  1. A Directive Principles
  2. B Fundamental Duties
  3. C Fundamental Rights
  4. D Union-State Relations

Correct answer: Fundamental Rights

The Doctrine of Eclipse applies to laws that are inconsistent with Fundamental Rights. Such laws are not void ab initio but become inoperative to the extent of inconsistency with Fundamental Rights.

Question 2 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse is based on which Article of the Constitution?

  1. A Article 12
  2. B Article 13
  3. C Article 32
  4. D Article 368

Correct answer: Article 13

Article 13 establishes that laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights are void to the extent of inconsistency. The Doctrine of Eclipse evolved from judicial interpretation of this provision, extending it to pre-constitutional laws.

Question 3 of 38 Medium

According to the Doctrine of Eclipse, a pre-constitutional law violating a Fundamental Right becomes:

  1. A Completely and permanently repealed from the statute book
  2. B Permanently void and of no legal effect whatsoever
  3. C Dormant and unenforceable against citizens
  4. D Automatically amended by the relevant legislature

Correct answer: Dormant and unenforceable against citizens

Under the Doctrine of Eclipse, a pre-constitutional law inconsistent with Fundamental Rights is not wiped out but becomes dormant. It remains valid for non-citizens and may revive if the inconsistency is removed.

Question 4 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse was first clearly enunciated in which case?

  1. A Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
  2. B Minerva Mills v. Union of India
  3. C Bhikaji Narain Dhakras v. M.P.
  4. D Golaknath v. State of Punjab

Correct answer: Bhikaji Narain Dhakras v. M.P.

The Supreme Court explained the Doctrine of Eclipse in Bhikaji Narain Dhakras v. State of Madhya Pradesh. The Court held that a pre-constitutional law becomes eclipsed but not void if inconsistent with Fundamental Rights.

Question 5 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse applies primarily to:

  1. A Laws enacted only after the Constitution came into effect
  2. B Laws that existed before the Constitution came into force
  3. C Amendments to the Constitution itself
  4. D Emergency ordinances issued by the President

Correct answer: Laws that existed before the Constitution came into force

The Doctrine of Eclipse primarily applies to pre-constitutional laws conflicting with Fundamental Rights. Such laws are not nullified entirely but remain dormant (eclipsed) to the extent of inconsistency with the rights.

Question 6 of 38 Medium

Under the Doctrine of Eclipse, if the Fundamental Right is amended to remove inconsistency, the eclipsed law:

  1. A Remains permanently void and inoperative
  2. B Requires re-enactment by Parliament
  3. C Automatically revives and remains valid
  4. D Needs judicial approval before revival

Correct answer: Automatically revives and remains valid

If the inconsistency is removed by constitutional amendment, the previously eclipsed law automatically revives. This is because the law was never completely void.

Question 7 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse reflects which principle regarding inconsistent laws?

  1. A The law is completely nullified and unenforceable
  2. B The law is temporarily inoperative
  3. C The legislature retains absolute supremacy
  4. D The courts overreach their constitutional powers

Correct answer: The law is temporarily inoperative

The Doctrine of Eclipse treats inconsistent pre-constitutional laws as temporarily inoperative, not null and void. They remain valid but cannot be enforced against citizens during the period of inconsistency.

Question 8 of 38 Medium

A pre-constitutional law violating Article 19 would be unenforceable against:

  1. A Foreigners and non-citizens only
  2. B Citizens exclusively
  3. C Both citizens and non-citizens equally
  4. D Only non-citizens and stateless persons

Correct answer: Citizens exclusively

Article 19 rights are guaranteed only to citizens. Therefore, a pre-constitutional law inconsistent with Article 19 cannot be enforced against citizens but may still apply to foreigners or non-citizens.

Question 9 of 38 Medium

Which of the following best describes the status of an eclipsed law?

  1. A Foreigners only, not citizens
  2. B Citizens only, not foreigners
  3. C Citizens and non-citizens equally
  4. D Non-citizens only, not citizens

Correct answer: Citizens and non-citizens equally

An eclipsed law remains on the statute books but cannot be enforced to the extent it violates Fundamental Rights. It is neither repealed nor completely void.

Question 10 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse does NOT apply to:

  1. A Pre-constitutional laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights
  2. B Post-constitutional laws that violate Fundamental Rights
  3. C Laws conflicting with Article 19
  4. D Laws conflicting with Article 14

Correct answer: Post-constitutional laws that violate Fundamental Rights

Post-constitutional laws violating Fundamental Rights are void ab initio (from the beginning) under Article 13(2). The Doctrine of Eclipse only applies to pre-constitutional laws.

Question 11 of 38 Medium

Which Article makes post-constitutional laws void if they violate Fundamental Rights?

  1. A Article 13(2)
  2. B Article 19(1)
  3. C Article 21
  4. D Article 32

Correct answer: Article 13(2)

Article 13(2) states that the State shall not make any law that takes away or abridges Fundamental Rights. Any such law is void to the extent of contravention.

Question 12 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse is closely linked with which constitutional concept?

  1. A The power distribution between different branches of government
  2. B The supremacy of the Constitution over all laws
  3. C How legislative power is divided between State and Union
  4. D The relationship between Fundamental Rights and policy directives

Correct answer: The supremacy of the Constitution over all laws

The Doctrine of Eclipse underscores constitutional supremacy, ensuring that Fundamental Rights cannot be overridden by ordinary laws, whether pre or post-constitutional.

Question 13 of 38 Medium

If a pre-constitutional law violates Article 14, it becomes:

  1. A Separation of governmental powers
  2. B The supremacy of the Constitution
  3. C Doctrine of parliamentary sovereignty
  4. D Doctrine of collective responsibility

Correct answer: The supremacy of the Constitution

A pre-constitutional law inconsistent with Article 14 becomes eclipsed. It remains dormant and unenforceable to the extent it violates the right to equality.

Question 14 of 38 Medium

Which statement correctly differentiates void and eclipsed laws?

  1. A Void laws remain dormant while eclipsed laws are repealed
  2. B Eclipsed laws are permanently nullified and cannot revive
  3. C Void laws are invalid from inception; eclipsed laws are dormant
  4. D Both categories are treated identically in constitutional law

Correct answer: Void laws are invalid from inception; eclipsed laws are dormant

Void laws are invalid from the beginning (ab initio), while eclipsed laws are temporarily inoperative but remain valid. This distinction preserves pre-constitutional laws while rendering them unenforceable.

Question 15 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse ensures that:

  1. A All unconstitutional laws are erased from the statute books
  2. B Legislative errors are automatically corrected through courts
  3. C Pre-constitutional laws remain valid despite inconsistency
  4. D The courts cannot overturn laws enacted by legislatures

Correct answer: Pre-constitutional laws remain valid despite inconsistency

The doctrine preserves pre-constitutional laws by treating them as dormant rather than void. They can revive if the Fundamental Rights inconsistency is removed by constitutional amendment.

Question 16 of 38 Medium

Which of the following scenarios would revive an eclipsed law?

  1. A A judicial ruling eliminating the relevant Fundamental Right
  2. B A constitutional amendment narrowing a Fundamental Right
  3. C A state legislature resolution to repeal it
  4. D A presidential ordinance extending its application

Correct answer: A constitutional amendment narrowing a Fundamental Right

If a constitutional amendment narrows or removes the Fundamental Right causing inconsistency, the eclipsed law automatically revives because it was not nullified but merely dormant.

Question 17 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse primarily applies to conflicts between:

  1. A State laws and the Directive Principles of State Policy
  2. B Pre-constitutional laws and Fundamental Rights
  3. C Judicial precedents and parliamentary legislation
  4. D Executive orders and presidential ordinances

Correct answer: Pre-constitutional laws and Fundamental Rights

The Doctrine of Eclipse resolves conflicts between pre-constitutional laws and Fundamental Rights. It ensures such laws are rendered inoperative but not completely erased.

Question 18 of 38 Medium

Which of the following statements is correct regarding post-constitutional laws violating Fundamental Rights?

  1. A They are eclipsed
  2. B They remain valid for non-citizens
  3. C They are void from inception
  4. D They revive automatically

Correct answer: They are void from inception

Post-constitutional laws that violate Fundamental Rights are void ab initio under Article 13(2). The Doctrine of Eclipse does not apply to them.

Question 19 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse reflects a balance between:

  1. A Aggressive judicial activism versus executive power
  2. B Constitutional supremacy and legislative continuity
  3. C Power distribution between State and Union
  4. D Fundamental Rights versus policy directives

Correct answer: Constitutional supremacy and legislative continuity

The doctrine balances constitutional supremacy with legislative continuity. It prevents unnecessary erasure of pre-constitutional laws while ensuring they cannot override Fundamental Rights.

Question 20 of 38 Medium

Which judicial approach underlies the Doctrine of Eclipse?

  1. A A restrictive reading of constitutional language
  2. B An interpretation that promotes constitutional coherence
  3. C Reading the Constitution with rigid, literal meanings
  4. D Applying only the explicit language without adaptation

Correct answer: An interpretation that promotes constitutional coherence

The Doctrine of Eclipse reflects harmonious construction, allowing pre-constitutional laws to coexist with the Constitution. It avoids total invalidation and ensures compatibility where possible.

Question 21 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse primarily applies to which type of laws?

  1. A Post-constitutional laws
  2. B Judicial decisions
  3. C Administrative orders
  4. D Pre-constitutional laws

Correct answer: Pre-constitutional laws

The Doctrine of Eclipse applies mainly to pre-constitutional laws. These laws become inoperative if inconsistent with Fundamental Rights. However, they are not completely void.

Question 22 of 38 Medium

Under the Doctrine of Eclipse, an inconsistent law is considered:

  1. A Completely void
  2. B Partially repealed by Parliament
  3. C Dormant or overshadowed law
  4. D Fully enforceable

Correct answer: Dormant or overshadowed law

Such a law is not dead but remains dormant. It is overshadowed by Fundamental Rights. It can revive if inconsistency is removed.

Question 23 of 38 Medium

Which Article forms the basis of the Doctrine of Eclipse?

  1. A Article 12
  2. B Article 19
  3. C Article 21
  4. D Article 13

Correct answer: Article 13

Article 13 deals with laws inconsistent with Fundamental Rights. It provides the foundation for the Doctrine of Eclipse. It ensures supremacy of Fundamental Rights.

Question 24 of 38 Medium

A pre-constitutional law violating Fundamental Rights is:

  1. A Repealed automatically by courts
  2. B Declared unconstitutional and void permanently
  3. C Eclipsed to the extent of inconsistency
  4. D Ignored completely by all courts

Correct answer: Eclipsed to the extent of inconsistency

Such laws are eclipsed only to the extent of inconsistency. They are not entirely invalid. They remain valid for non-conflicting aspects.

Question 25 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse ensures:

  1. A Total invalidation of all existing laws and rules
  2. B Judicial supremacy alone
  3. C Legislative control alone
  4. D Balance between laws and Fundamental Rights

Correct answer: Balance between laws and Fundamental Rights

The doctrine balances pre-existing laws with Fundamental Rights. It avoids unnecessary invalidation. It preserves legal continuity.

Question 26 of 38 Medium

Which of the following best describes an eclipsed law?

  1. A Dead law with no effect
  2. B Repealed law with no force
  3. C Judicial law from court rulings
  4. D Inactive but existing law

Correct answer: Inactive but existing law

An eclipsed law is inactive but still exists. It cannot be enforced against citizens. It remains valid in other contexts.

Question 27 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse applies mainly against whom?

  1. A Non-citizens living within the territory
  2. B Foreigners visiting temporarily
  3. C Government officials only
  4. D Citizens under Fundamental Rights

Correct answer: Citizens under Fundamental Rights

Fundamental Rights are primarily available to citizens. Hence, the doctrine applies in their favor. The law may still apply to non-citizens.

Question 28 of 38 Medium

Which type of laws become void under Article 13(2)?

  1. A Pre-constitutional laws that remain in force today
  2. B Customary laws practiced locally
  3. C Judicial laws from court precedent
  4. D Post-constitutional laws enacted by legislature

Correct answer: Post-constitutional laws enacted by legislature

Post-constitutional laws violating Fundamental Rights are void ab initio. They are completely invalid. The Doctrine of Eclipse does not apply to them.

Question 29 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse is related to which part of the Constitution?

  1. A Directive Principles
  2. B Fundamental Duties
  3. C Fundamental Rights
  4. D Preamble

Correct answer: Fundamental Rights

The doctrine is closely related to Fundamental Rights. It ensures their supremacy. It protects citizens from inconsistent laws.

Question 30 of 38 Medium

Which of the following situations can revive an eclipsed law?

  1. A Repeal of the eclipsed law
  2. B Judicial decision by a constitutional court
  3. C Executive order by government
  4. D Amendment of the Fundamental Right

Correct answer: Amendment of the Fundamental Right

If the conflicting Fundamental Right is amended, the law can revive. This removes inconsistency. The law becomes enforceable again.

Question 31 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse reflects which legal principle?

  1. A Judicial activism
  2. B Separation of powers
  3. C Federalism
  4. D Partial invalidity

Correct answer: Partial invalidity

It reflects the principle of partial invalidity. Only the inconsistent part is inoperative. The rest of the law survives.

Question 32 of 38 Medium

Which case first explained the Doctrine of Eclipse in India?

  1. A Kesavananda Bharati vs State of Kerala
  2. B Maneka Gandhi vs Union of India
  3. C Golaknath vs State of Punjab
  4. D Bhikaji Narain Dhakras vs State of MP

Correct answer: Bhikaji Narain Dhakras vs State of MP

The Bhikaji Narain Dhakras case explained the doctrine. It clarified the concept of eclipse. It became a landmark case.

Question 33 of 38 Medium

An eclipsed law is enforceable against:

  1. A Citizens
  2. B Both equally
  3. C No one
  4. D Non-citizens

Correct answer: Non-citizens

An eclipsed law may still apply to non-citizens. This is because some Fundamental Rights are only for citizens. Thus, the law is partially operative.

Question 34 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse ensures that pre-constitutional laws:

  1. A Are fully repealed by the Parliament
  2. B Lose their existence completely and forever
  3. C Remain dormant until inconsistency removed
  4. D Are always valid without any exception

Correct answer: Remain dormant until inconsistency removed

Such laws remain dormant until inconsistency is removed. They are not destroyed. This maintains continuity in legal system.

Question 35 of 38 Medium

Which of the following is true about eclipsed laws?

  1. A They are permanently unconstitutional
  2. B They are repealed automatically
  3. C They are treated as judicial decisions
  4. D They can revive if later amended

Correct answer: They can revive if later amended

Eclipsed laws can revive if inconsistency is removed. This is a key feature of the doctrine. It differentiates it from void laws.

Question 36 of 38 Medium

The Doctrine of Eclipse applies when there is conflict between:

  1. A Executive and Judiciary
  2. B Legislature and the Judiciary
  3. C Law and Fundamental Rights
  4. D State and Union

Correct answer: Law and Fundamental Rights

It applies when a law conflicts with Fundamental Rights. The inconsistent part becomes inoperative. This protects citizens’ rights.

Question 37 of 38 Medium

Which concept is closely related to the Doctrine of Eclipse?

  1. A Doctrine of Basic Structure
  2. B Doctrine of Pleasure
  3. C Doctrine of Lapse
  4. D Doctrine of Severability

Correct answer: Doctrine of Severability

The Doctrine of Severability is closely related. It also deals with partial invalidity of laws. Both aim to preserve valid portions.

Question 38 of 38 Medium

Which of the following best describes the Doctrine of Eclipse?

  1. A Law is declared void ab initio and ceases to exist entirely
  2. B Law is completely repealed and removed by the Parliament
  3. C Law is newly created through judicial interpretation by courts
  4. D Law is temporarily overshadowed by Fundamental Rights

Correct answer: Law is temporarily overshadowed by Fundamental Rights

The doctrine means law is overshadowed by Fundamental Rights. It is not destroyed. It can revive if inconsistency is removed.

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