UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Muslim groups back SC observations on inheritance rights

Q1. Which one of the following was the first Indian State to enact and operationalise a modern Uniform Civil Code applicable to its residents irrespective of religion?

  • A. Goa
  • B. Gujarat
  • C. Madhya Pradesh
  • D. Uttarakhand

Q2. In the context of Hindu succession law, the term 'coparcenary' refers to:

  • A. The right of certain members of a Hindu joint family to acquire by birth an interest in ancestral property
  • B. A testamentary instrument by which a Hindu disposes of self-acquired property
  • C. The notional partition by which a deceased Hindu's estate devolves on Class I heirs
  • D. The pious obligation of a son to discharge the debts of his father from joint family assets

Q3. With reference to the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937 as contrasted with the Hindu Succession (Amendment) Act, 2005, consider the following statements: 1. The 1937 Act applies Shariat to a Muslim's intestate succession, marriage, dower and wakfs, whereas the 2005 Amendment was confined to coparcenary rights in Hindu joint family property. 2. The 2005 Amendment conferred on daughters equal coparcenary rights by birth, whereas inheritance under the 1937 Act continues to be governed by Shariat, under which a daughter generally takes half the share of a son. 3. Unlike the 2005 Amendment, the 1937 Act, as originally enacted, did not extend to questions relating to agricultural land. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. The 1937 Act applies Shariat to a Muslim's intestate succession, marriage, dower and wakfs, whereas the 2005 Amendment was confined to coparcenary rights in Hindu joint family property.
  2. The 2005 Amendment conferred on daughters equal coparcenary rights by birth, whereas inheritance under the 1937 Act continues to be governed by Shariat, under which a daughter generally takes half the share of a son.
  3. Unlike the 2005 Amendment, the 1937 Act, as originally enacted, did not extend to questions relating to agricultural land.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q4. With reference to the Muslim Personal Law (Shariat) Application Act, 1937, which of the following matters are expressly governed by Shariat under the Act? 1. Intestate succession 2. Wakfs 3. Adoption 4. Guardianship Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. Intestate succession
  2. Wakfs
  3. Adoption
  4. Guardianship
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 4
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q5. The directive to the State to endeavour to secure a Uniform Civil Code for citizens throughout the territory of India is contained exclusively in which one of the following provisions of the Constitution of India?

  • A. Article 39
  • B. Article 44
  • C. Article 45
  • D. Article 48