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

निर्वाचन आयोग के अध्यक्ष का कार्यकाल कितना होता है?

Who appoints the members of the Election Commission of India?

Who among the following is the ex-officio Chairman of the Rajya Sabha?

Which article of the Indian Constitution guarantees the right to life and personal liberty?

Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the President’s power to dissolve the Lok Sabha?

Who among the following can recommend the dissolution of the Lok Sabha?

किस अनुच्छेद के तहत नागरिकों को वर्गीय भेदभाव से सुरक्षा मिलती है?

न्यायपालिका की संरचना में किसका प्रमुख योगदान होता है?

कार्यपालिका के प्रमुख की उत्तराधिकार प्रक्रिया किस अनुच्छेद में वर्णित है?

Which of the following is a power of the Rajya Sabha?