UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Why bulldozers threaten due process
Q1. In February 2026, which constitutional court framed five questions examining whether punitive demolitions carried out immediately after FIR registration in Uttar Pradesh violate due process?
- A. Rajasthan High Court
- B. Madhya Pradesh High Court
- C. Allahabad High Court
- D. Punjab and Haryana High Court
Q2. Under which single constitutional provision did the Supreme Court invoke its plenary power to issue the pan-India guidelines against punitive demolitions?
- A. Article 142
- B. Article 32
- C. Article 141
- D. Article 144
Q3. With reference to the Supreme Court's November 2024 demolition guidelines and the Allahabad High Court's February 2026 proceedings on 'bulldozer justice', consider the following statements:
1. The Supreme Court's November 2024 guidelines were issued under Article 142 and apply across the country.
2. The Allahabad High Court's February 2026 proceedings arose from a petition concerning property in Hamirpur district.
3. The Allahabad High Court in 2026 held that punitive demolitions are permissible if carried out within 15 days of FIR registration.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- The Supreme Court's November 2024 guidelines were issued under Article 142 and apply across the country.
- The Allahabad High Court's February 2026 proceedings arose from a petition concerning property in Hamirpur district.
- The Allahabad High Court in 2026 held that punitive demolitions are permissible if carried out within 15 days of FIR registration.
- A. 1 and 2 only
- B. 1 and 3 only
- C. 2 and 3 only
- D. 1, 2 and 3
Q4. In its February 2026 order on punitive demolitions in Uttar Pradesh, how many questions did the Allahabad High Court frame for examination?
- A. Three
- B. Four
- C. Five
- D. Seven
Q5. Constitutional challenges to punitive 'bulldozer' demolitions have rested on certain fundamental and constitutional provisions. Consider the following identifications:
1. Article 14 — equality before law and protection against arbitrary state action
2. Article 21 — right to life, livelihood and shelter
3. Article 300A — right to property
4. Article 25 — protection against arbitrary demolition of property
Which of the above is/are NOT correctly identified?
- Article 14 — equality before law and protection against arbitrary state action
- Article 21 — right to life, livelihood and shelter
- Article 300A — right to property
- Article 25 — protection against arbitrary demolition of property
- A. 1 and 3
- B. 2 and 4
- C. 1, 2 and 4
- D. 4 only