Assertion (A): Sunset clause in legislation is one which provides that after a particular date it ceases to exist.
Reason (R): Sunset clause is a provision to avoid stagnation in the legislative process by removing unwanted laws of the time.
Choose the correct one:
Last updated Jun 23, 2026
Correct Answer:
Option A —
Both A and R are true, R is the correct explanation of A
Analysis of the Statements
Assertion (A):
This is a factually accurate definition. A Sunset Clause (or sunset provision) is a specific measure within a statute that mandates the law will automatically expire on a specific date unless the legislature takes proactive steps to extend it. It essentially gives the law a "shelf life."
Reason (R):
This explains the administrative and legal philosophy behind the clause. The primary purpose is to ensure that laws do not become obsolete or redundant. It prevents "legislative creep," where outdated regulations continue to exist simply because no one has taken the time to repeal them. By forcing a mandatory review, it ensures that only necessary and effective laws remain on the books.
Why R explains A:
The reason the law "ceases to exist" (the sunset) is specifically designed to facilitate this "removal of unwanted laws." Therefore, the Reason (R) provides the logical justification for why the mechanism described in the Assertion (A) is implemented in the first place.
In the context of governance, sunset clauses are often found in:
Temporary Tax Laws: Where a tax is levied only for a specific recovery period.
Emergency or Security Legislation: Laws that grant extraordinary powers (like TADA or POTA in India's history) often include these clauses to ensure they are not used indefinitely.
Economic Incentives: Provisions that are meant to jumpstart an industry but are intended to be phased out once the industry is self-sufficient.
Benefits of Sunset Clauses
Accountability: It forces the government to evaluate the performance of a law before renewing it.
Efficiency: It keeps the legal code lean and relevant to current societal needs.
Flexibility: It allows for "experimental" legislation where a policy can be tested for a few years without a permanent commitment.
Answer verified by Quintessence Classes faculty — Karan Nagar, Srinagar.
