UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — PIL plea in SC seeks review of wages of priests, temple staff

Q1. With reference to the Supreme Court's refusal to entertain the 2026 PIL on wages of priests and temple staff, consider the following statements comparing writ jurisdiction under Article 32 and Article 226 of the Constitution: 1. Article 32 is itself a fundamental right whereas Article 226 is a constitutional remedy but not a fundamental right. 2. Article 32 can be invoked only for the enforcement of fundamental rights, whereas Article 226 can be invoked for enforcement of fundamental rights as well as for 'any other purpose'. 3. The Supreme Court is bound to entertain every petition filed under Article 32 and cannot decline it on the ground that an appropriate alternative forum exists. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Article 32 is itself a fundamental right whereas Article 226 is a constitutional remedy but not a fundamental right.
  2. Article 32 can be invoked only for the enforcement of fundamental rights, whereas Article 226 can be invoked for enforcement of fundamental rights as well as for 'any other purpose'.
  3. The Supreme Court is bound to entertain every petition filed under Article 32 and cannot decline it on the ground that an appropriate alternative forum exists.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. In the 2026 PIL on wages of priests and temple staff in state-controlled temples, the petitioner sought a declaration that such priests qualify as 'employee' under which one of the following provisions of the Code on Wages, 2019?

  • A. Section 2(k)
  • B. Section 2(m)
  • C. Section 2(y)
  • D. Section 2(s)

Q3. The Code on Wages, 2019 consolidates and replaces exactly how many pre-existing central labour enactments?

  • A. Three
  • B. Four
  • C. Nine
  • D. Twenty-nine

Q4. The Code on Wages, 2019 — under which the petitioner of the May 2026 PIL sought 'employee' status for temple priests — is administered at the Union level by which one of the following ministries?

  • A. Ministry of Labour and Employment
  • B. Ministry of Corporate Affairs
  • C. Ministry of Law and Justice
  • D. Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions