Q. Which one of the following in Indian polity is an essential feature that indicates that it is federal in character? (UPSC Prelims 2021)
Answer: The independence of judiciary is safeguarded.
Notes: The correct answer is [A] The independence of judiciary is safeguarded. In a federal system, the division of powers between the Central and State governments is a core necessity, and an independent judiciary acts as the protector of this division.

• Independence of Judiciary (Option A - Correct): For a polity to be federal, there must be a written Constitution that divides powers. To prevent the Union from encroaching upon State powers (or vice versa), an independent and impartial judiciary is essential to interpret the Constitution and settle disputes between the constituent units.
• Union Legislature Representation (Option B - Incorrect): While the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) consists of representatives from States, this is a feature of the legislative structure. However, even some unitary states can have regional representation. The independence of the judiciary is a more fundamental "essential" check that preserves the federal equilibrium.
• Union Cabinet Composition (Option C - Incorrect): The presence of regional party members in the Cabinet is a matter of political coalition-building and parliamentary practice, not a constitutional requirement or a defining feature of federalism.
• Enforceable Fundamental Rights (Option D - Incorrect): The enforceability of Fundamental Rights is a feature of a democratic state and the "Rule of Law." Many unitary states (like the UK or France) have protected rights, so this does not specifically indicate a federal character.

Other essential federal features include a written Constitution, Supremacy of the Constitution, Rigidity of the Constitution, and a Dual Polity. India is often described as "quasi-federal" because it combines these federal features with strong unitary biases.