Question

Given below are two statements:
Statement I : Indian Constitution uses the word ‘minority’ to mean ‘any sections of citizens’ having a distinct language, script or culture.
Statement II : This may be a whole community living within a majority community. In the light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below

• A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
• B. Both Statement I and Statement II are false
• C. Statement I is true but Statement II is false
• D. Statement I is false but Statement II is true

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

To determine the correctness of the given statements about the Indian Constitution's use of the term 'minority', let's analyze each statement:

1. Statement I: "Indian Constitution uses the word ‘minority’ to mean ‘any sections of citizens’ having a distinct language, script, or culture."

The Indian Constitution, in Article 29, provides for the protection of interests of minorities. It states that any section of citizens residing in the territory of India or any part thereof having a distinct language, script or culture of its own shall have the right to conserve the same. This implies that the term ‘minority’ can indeed refer to groups based on distinct cultural, linguistic, or script characteristics.

2. Statement II: "This may be a whole community living within a majority community."

This statement is also true. Within the framework of the Indian Constitution, a minority can be a community within the broader national population. For instance, linguistic minorities in different states may exist even if they are a majority population in other regions.

Based on this analysis, both statements accurately reflect the understanding and application of the term ‘minority’ according to the Indian Constitution. Therefore, the correct answer is:

• Both Statement I and Statement II are true

Hence, the statements are accurate and appropriately describe the constitutional context regarding minorities in India.