Correct Option
The correct option is 1, 2, 3 and 4.
Explanation
The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976, enacted during the Internal Emergency (1975-1977), is the most comprehensive amendment in the history of the Indian Constitution. Due to the magnitude of changes it introduced, it is often referred to as the "Mini-Constitution". It was based largely on the recommendations of the Swaran Singh Committee.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Correct: The 42nd Amendment extended the tenure of the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assemblies from five to six years. This provision was later reversed, and the original five-year term was restored by the 44th Amendment Act, 1978.
- Statement 2 is Correct: This amendment added a new Part IV-A to the Constitution, consisting of a single Article 51A, which specified a code of ten Fundamental Duties for citizens.
- Statement 3 is Correct: The Act curtailed the power of judicial review and writ jurisdiction of the Supreme Court and High Courts. It sought to limit the judiciary's ability to question constitutional amendments (adding clauses to Article 368) and restricted the scope of judicial intervention in legislative matters.
- Statement 4 is Correct: The 42nd Amendment amended the Preamble for the first (and only) time, adding three new words: Socialist, Secular, and Integrity.
Key Takeaway
The 42nd Amendment Act, 1976 asserted the supremacy of Parliament, curtailed judicial powers, added Fundamental Duties, and altered the Preamble. Many of its controversial provisions regarding the judiciary and term limits were nullified by the 44th Amendment Act, 1978.