UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — SC to hear ED petition for CBI probe into alleged obstruction of searches

Q1. In January 2026, the Enforcement Directorate conducted search operations under the PMLA in connection with the coal smuggling syndicate case linked to I-PAC. At how many total locations across West Bengal and Delhi were these simultaneous searches carried out?

  • A. Six
  • B. Eight
  • C. Ten
  • D. Twelve

Q2. With reference to the powers of the Directorate of Enforcement under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, consider the following statements: 1. Section 17 of the Act confers the power of search and seizure on authorised ED officers. 2. Section 50 of the Act empowers the ED to issue summons for examination of persons. 3. Section 19 of the Act deals with the power of arrest by authorised ED officers. 4. The Directorate of Enforcement functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Section 17 of the Act confers the power of search and seizure on authorised ED officers.
  2. Section 50 of the Act empowers the ED to issue summons for examination of persons.
  3. Section 19 of the Act deals with the power of arrest by authorised ED officers.
  4. The Directorate of Enforcement functions under the administrative control of the Ministry of Home Affairs.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q3. In the context of the Enforcement Directorate's petition before the Supreme Court arising from the January 2026 I-PAC searches, consider the following: 1. The investigation underlying the searches was a money-laundering probe linked to a coal smuggling case. 2. The Supreme Court stayed the FIRs registered by West Bengal Police against ED officers. 3. The ED's plea before the Supreme Court sought a CBI probe into the alleged obstruction of its searches. 4. The Supreme Court transferred the trial of the coal smuggling case out of West Bengal to a CBI special court in Delhi. Which of the above statements is/are NOT correct?

  1. The investigation underlying the searches was a money-laundering probe linked to a coal smuggling case.
  2. The Supreme Court stayed the FIRs registered by West Bengal Police against ED officers.
  3. The ED's plea before the Supreme Court sought a CBI probe into the alleged obstruction of its searches.
  4. The Supreme Court transferred the trial of the coal smuggling case out of West Bengal to a CBI special court in Delhi.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 4 only
  • D. 3 and 4 only

Q4. Which of the following is the primary statute that governs the constitution, jurisdiction and superintendence of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), the agency before which the Enforcement Directorate has sought a probe in the I-PAC obstruction matter?

  • A. The Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003
  • B. The Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946
  • C. The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988
  • D. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013

Q5. In the context of CBI investigations in States, the term 'general consent' under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946 most appropriately refers to which one of the following?

  • A. A standing consent given by a State Government permitting the CBI to investigate notified categories of offences within that State without requiring case-by-case approval
  • B. The consent of the Governor of a State required before the CBI can register any FIR against a public servant of that State
  • C. The prior approval of the Supreme Court required for any CBI investigation that crosses State boundaries
  • D. The concurrence of the Central Vigilance Commission required before the CBI takes up any preliminary enquiry