UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Beldanga violence: was it fair to invoke UAPA, SC asks NIA

Q1. With reference to India's counter-terrorism architecture, which one of the following is the lead central agency constituted under a dedicated statute to investigate and prosecute scheduled offences relating to terrorism, including the Beldanga violence case of 2026?

  • A. Central Bureau of Investigation
  • B. Intelligence Bureau
  • C. National Investigation Agency
  • D. Enforcement Directorate

Q2. With reference to the evolution of India's anti-terror legal framework invoked in the Beldanga violence case, consider the following statements: 1. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 was originally enacted primarily to deal with secessionist and unlawful organisations, while the 2019 amendment empowered the Central Government to designate even individuals as terrorists. 2. Unlike the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002 (POTA), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 contains no provision defining a 'terrorist act'. 3. Section 15 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 includes acts intended to threaten the economic security of India within the definition of a 'terrorist act'. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 was originally enacted primarily to deal with secessionist and unlawful organisations, while the 2019 amendment empowered the Central Government to designate even individuals as terrorists.
  2. Unlike the Prevention of Terrorism Act, 2002 (POTA), the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 contains no provision defining a 'terrorist act'.
  3. Section 15 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 includes acts intended to threaten the economic security of India within the definition of a 'terrorist act'.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. Under Section 43D of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 — the provision invoked by the NIA in the Beldanga case — what is the maximum period up to which detention of an accused without filing of a charge-sheet may be extended by a court?

  • A. 60 days
  • B. 90 days
  • C. 180 days
  • D. 365 days

Q4. In the Beldanga violence case of January 2026, the order directing the National Investigation Agency to take over the probe was issued by which one of the following Union Ministries?

  • A. Ministry of Law and Justice
  • B. Ministry of Home Affairs
  • C. Ministry of External Affairs
  • D. Ministry of Defence

Q5. In the Beldanga violence matter, the Union Government directed the National Investigation Agency, suo motu, to take over the investigation. This power is derived from which one of the following provisions?

  • A. Section 6(4) of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008
  • B. Section 6(5) of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008
  • C. Section 8 of the National Investigation Agency Act, 2008
  • D. Section 15 of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967