Question

Who was the Prime Minister of India when the 42nd Amendment Bill bringing in the changes in the Constitution was passed?

• A. Rajiv Gandhi
• B. V.P. Singh
• C. Indira Gandhi
• D. Morarji Desai

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1 — Recall the 42nd Amendment of the Constitution:
The 42nd Amendment Act, often called the “Mini-Constitution,” was one of the most comprehensive amendments to the Indian Constitution. It was passed in 1976 during the period of Emergency (1975–1977).

Step 2 — Key features of the 42nd Amendment:
• It inserted the words “Socialist,” “Secular,” and “Integrity” into the Preamble.
• It curtailed the power of the judiciary and gave more power to Parliament.
• It extended the term of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies from 5 years to 6 years (later reversed by the 44th Amendment).
• It shifted subjects between State and Concurrent lists, increasing the Centre’s power.
• It made changes that greatly strengthened the central government’s authority.

Step 3 — Political context:
The Amendment was passed during the Emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. She was the Prime Minister of India at that time (1971–1977 during her third term).

Step 4 — Eliminate other possibilities:
• Jawaharlal Nehru was the first Prime Minister but passed away in 1964, much before this amendment.
• Lal Bahadur Shastri was PM from 1964–1966, also before 1976.
• Morarji Desai became PM only after the Emergency, in 1977.
Thus, none of them fit the timeline except Indira Gandhi.

Step 5 — Conclusion:
The Prime Minister of India when the 42nd Amendment Bill was passed was Indira Gandhi.

Final Answer:
The correct option is (C): Indira Gandhi.