UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — SC directs CBI to probe ‘contracts awarded’ to Pema Khandu’s family

Q1. A citizen wishing to file a Public Interest Litigation directly before the Supreme Court of India for enforcement of fundamental rights must invoke exclusively which one of the following constitutional provisions?

  • A. Article 32
  • B. Article 226
  • C. Article 136
  • D. Article 143

Q2. With reference to Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in India as distinguished from a conventional writ petition, consider the following statements: 1. In a PIL the traditional rule of locus standi is relaxed, allowing any public-spirited person to move the court on behalf of those unable to approach it themselves. 2. PIL was introduced into the Indian legal system through judicial innovation in the late 1970s–1980s, a development associated with judges such as Justice P.N. Bhagwati. 3. Unlike a writ petition, a PIL can be entertained only if the petitioner's own fundamental right has been personally and directly violated. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. In a PIL the traditional rule of locus standi is relaxed, allowing any public-spirited person to move the court on behalf of those unable to approach it themselves.
  2. PIL was introduced into the Indian legal system through judicial innovation in the late 1970s–1980s, a development associated with judges such as Justice P.N. Bhagwati.
  3. Unlike a writ petition, a PIL can be entertained only if the petitioner's own fundamental right has been personally and directly violated.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. With reference to the legal basis and powers of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), consider the following statements: 1. The CBI derives its police powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946. 2. To investigate an offence within a State, the CBI ordinarily requires the consent of the State government concerned. 3. A probe ordered by the Supreme Court or a High Court can be taken up by the CBI even without such State consent. 4. The CBI was constituted directly by a dedicated statute titled the 'Central Bureau of Investigation Act'. Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. The CBI derives its police powers from the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946.
  2. To investigate an offence within a State, the CBI ordinarily requires the consent of the State government concerned.
  3. A probe ordered by the Supreme Court or a High Court can be taken up by the CBI even without such State consent.
  4. The CBI was constituted directly by a dedicated statute titled the 'Central Bureau of Investigation Act'.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q4. In the context of the CBI's operation across the States, the expression 'general consent' most precisely refers to which one of the following?

  • A. A standing consent given by a State under the Delhi Special Police Establishment Act permitting the CBI to investigate specified categories of cases within that State without seeking case-by-case permission
  • B. The blanket approval of the Central Vigilance Commission required before the CBI can register any corruption case anywhere in India
  • C. The concurrence of the Union Home Ministry allowing the CBI to operate in Union Territories
  • D. A one-time permission from the Supreme Court authorising the CBI to function as a national agency

Q5. In its April 2026 order concerning public contracts allegedly awarded to the family of the Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister, the Supreme Court directed which one of the following agencies to conduct the preliminary inquiry?

  • A. Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
  • B. Enforcement Directorate (ED)
  • C. National Investigation Agency (NIA)
  • D. State Lokayukta of Arunachal Pradesh

Q6. The preliminary inquiry directed by the Supreme Court into the award of public contracts in Arunachal Pradesh was ordered to cover which one of the following periods?

  • A. 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2025
  • B. 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2021
  • C. 17 July 2016 to 6 April 2026
  • D. 1 April 2019 to 31 March 2025

Q7. Under Article 371H of the Constitution, special responsibility with respect to law and order in the State of Arunachal Pradesh is vested exclusively in which one of the following authorities?

  • A. The Governor of Arunachal Pradesh
  • B. The Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh
  • C. The Union Ministry of Home Affairs
  • D. The Autonomous District Councils of the State

Q8. Among the following States of India's North-East, which one has the largest geographical area?

  • A. Arunachal Pradesh
  • B. Assam
  • C. Nagaland
  • D. Manipur