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Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing

Plenary

adjective / noun / PLEE-nuh-ree / Medium
Meaning

As adjective: full, complete, absolute, unqualified — especially of powers vested in an authority without limitation. As noun: a meeting at which all members are present (a 'plenary session')

Origin / Etymology

Latin plenus — 'full'

Synonyms
Absolute Unqualified Unrestricted Full
Antonyms
Partial Limited Restricted Conditional
Example Sentence
"The Election Commission of India derives plenary powers over elections from Article 324, meaning its superintendence is absolute and not subject to routine judicial interference."
🎯 UPSC Usage

Extremely high-frequency UPSC term. 'Plenary powers' appears in GS2 Polity in context of: (1) Article 324 — ECI's plenary control over elections; (2) Parliament's plenary legislative authority; (3) Constitutional courts' plenary jurisdiction. Also appears in IR (plenary sessions at UN, G20, WTO) and GS2 Governance. Mains answers often need to distinguish between plenary authority and discretionary authority.

Relevant Subjects
Polity
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