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Read the assertion and the reason, and choose the correct option. Assertion (A): Custom is a rule of conduct, obligatory on part of those who are within its sphere, established by long usage and…

Question and options

Read the assertion and the reason, and choose the correct option.
Assertion (A): Custom is a rule of conduct, obligatory on part of those who are within its sphere, established by long usage and practice.
Reason (R): Under Article 13(3)(a) of the Constitution of India, “law” includes any custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law.
  1. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A).
  2. Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
  3. (A) is true, but (R) is false.
  4. (A) is false, but (R) is true.

Answer and explanation

Correct answer: B - Both (A) and (R) are true, but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A).
The assertion is a correct description of custom: a rule binding on those within its sphere because it has been followed over a long period. The reason is also true, since Article 13(3)(a) of the Constitution includes “custom or usage having in the territory of India the force of law” in the meaning of law. But the reason only says that the Constitution treats such custom as law for the purposes of fundamental rights; it does not explain what custom is or why long usage makes it binding, so both are true and the reason does not explain the assertion.

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