UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — HC nullifies registration of land belonging to Palani math

Q1. In the context of the 1888 grant of the Palani mutt land, the term 'dharma sasanam' most precisely refers to which one of the following?

  • A. A charitable deed dedicating property in perpetuity for a religious or charitable purpose
  • B. A royal revenue exemption (inam) granted to a temple by a ruling dynasty
  • C. A hereditary right of temple priesthood passed down within a family
  • D. A periodic tenancy granting temple land to cultivating farmers

Q2. The Palani mutt land whose registration the Madras High Court nullified measures approximately how many acres?

  • A. 0.4 acre
  • B. 1.4 acres
  • C. 4 acres
  • D. 14 acres

Q3. Under Section 34 of the Tamil Nadu HR&CE Act, 1959, a lease of a religious institution's immovable property is null and void without the Commissioner's sanction only if it is for a term exceeding how many years?

  • A. Three years
  • B. Five years
  • C. Ten years
  • D. Twelve years

Q4. The order declaring the registration of the Palani mutt land 'null and void' was passed by which one of the following?

  • A. A Division Bench of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court
  • B. A Single Judge of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court
  • C. The Principal Bench of the Madras High Court at Chennai
  • D. The Supreme Court of India

Q5. Sub-Registrars who register documents under the Registration Act, 1908 function under the administrative control of which one of the following in a State?

  • A. The Inspector General of Registration
  • B. The District Collector under the Land Revenue wing
  • C. The Registrar General of the High Court
  • D. The State Human Rights Commission

Q6. Describing the Sub-Registrar's function under the Registration Act, 1908 as essentially 'ministerial' most precisely means which one of the following?

  • A. The Sub-Registrar registers a duly presented and executed document and does not adjudicate disputes of title or ownership
  • B. The Sub-Registrar exercises full quasi-judicial power to finally decide who owns the property
  • C. The Sub-Registrar is appointed by, and personally reports to, a Minister of the State Government
  • D. The Sub-Registrar may register a document only after obtaining prior ministerial approval

Q7. The Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple is counted among how many principal abodes of Lord Murugan collectively known as the Arupadaiveedu?

  • A. Four
  • B. Five
  • C. Six
  • D. Eight

Q8. The administration of Hindu temples and mutts such as the Palani Dhandayuthapani Swamy temple is carried out by which one of the following?

  • A. The Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department of the Tamil Nadu Government
  • B. The Archaeological Survey of India, Ministry of Culture
  • C. The Central Waqf Council
  • D. The National Monuments Authority

Q9. In the administrative follow-up to the Palani mutt land case, which single official was placed under suspension for having registered the disputed sale deed?

  • A. The Sub-Registrar of the Palani registration district
  • B. The Inspector General of Registration
  • C. The District Collector of Dindigul
  • D. The Commissioner of the HR&CE Department

Q10. In comparing safeguards against alienation of religious-endowment property, the term 'waqf' under the Waqf Act, 1995 most precisely refers to which one of the following?

  • A. An inalienable endowment of property dedicated under Muslim law for a pious, religious or charitable purpose
  • B. A hereditary trusteeship over a Hindu temple recognised under state endowment law
  • C. A revenue grant made by the State to maintain a place of worship
  • D. A tribunal constituted to adjudicate disputes over religious land