UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — SC asks civic bodies to act on unauthorised buildings

Q1. In July 2026 the Supreme Court, rather than disposing of the unauthorised-construction matter with a one-time order, kept the case alive, issued directions for sealing/demolition and required the civic bodies to file periodic compliance reports until the next hearing. This mode of judicial oversight is best described as:

  • A. Continuing mandamus
  • B. Curative petition
  • C. Quo warranto
  • D. Epistolary jurisdiction

Q2. In the 2026 proceedings, which civic body was directed by the Supreme Court to act against unauthorised constructions in Delhi and to file a detailed compliance report before the 4 August 2026 hearing?

  • A. Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
  • B. Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
  • C. New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)
  • D. Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB)

Q3. With reference to the Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution, consider the following: 1. Fire services 2. Regulation of land-use and construction of buildings 3. Urban planning including town planning 4. Maintenance of public order and police Which of the above is/are correctly identified as functional items listed in the Twelfth Schedule?

  1. Fire services
  2. Regulation of land-use and construction of buildings
  3. Urban planning including town planning
  4. Maintenance of public order and police
  • A. 1 and 3 only
  • B. 2 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q4. The functional items that may be entrusted to municipalities (the Twelfth Schedule) are linked to which Article of the Constitution?

  • A. Article 243W
  • B. Article 243G
  • C. Article 243P
  • D. Article 243ZG

Q5. In Public Interest Litigation, the Supreme Court uses several devices to independently investigate ground conditions and monitor executive compliance. Consider the following: 1. Continuing mandamus 2. Appointment of an amicus curiae 3. Constitution of court-appointed expert/monitoring committees 4. Issuance of a writ of quo warranto Which of the above is/are correctly identified as such compliance-monitoring or fact-finding devices?

  1. Continuing mandamus
  2. Appointment of an amicus curiae
  3. Constitution of court-appointed expert/monitoring committees
  4. Issuance of a writ of quo warranto
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 4 only
  • C. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding amicus curiae and PIL in India: 1. An amicus curiae is a 'friend of the court' who does not represent any party to the matter. 2. In S.P. Gupta v. Union of India (1981) the Supreme Court broadened locus standi, laying the basis for PIL. 3. Continuing mandamus disposes of a matter through a single final order with no further monitoring by the court. 4. An amicus curiae is ordinarily appointed by the court, not chosen by the litigants. Which of the above is/are NOT correct?

  1. An amicus curiae is a 'friend of the court' who does not represent any party to the matter.
  2. In S.P. Gupta v. Union of India (1981) the Supreme Court broadened locus standi, laying the basis for PIL.
  3. Continuing mandamus disposes of a matter through a single final order with no further monitoring by the court.
  4. An amicus curiae is ordinarily appointed by the court, not chosen by the litigants.
  • A. 1 and 4 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. 3 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q7. For the purpose of regulating construction and hazard segregation, the National Building Code of India classifies the areas of a city into how many fire zones?

  • A. Two
  • B. Three
  • C. Four
  • D. Five

Q8. The National Building Code of India, which lays down fire and life-safety provisions later adopted into State building bye-laws, is published by which of the following?

  • A. Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)
  • B. Central Public Works Department (CPWD)
  • C. National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA)
  • D. Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs

Q9. Consider the following statements about the PM-UDAY framework for Delhi's unauthorised colonies: 1. It confers ownership rights on residents on an 'as-is, where-is' basis without requiring approved layout plans. 2. Unlike earlier ad hoc measures, it operates under regulations notified in a 2019 framework and is administered by the Delhi Development Authority. 3. It extends ownership rights to all 1731 unauthorised colonies, including the affluent/'posh' colonies. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. It confers ownership rights on residents on an 'as-is, where-is' basis without requiring approved layout plans.
  2. Unlike earlier ad hoc measures, it operates under regulations notified in a 2019 framework and is administered by the Delhi Development Authority.
  3. It extends ownership rights to all 1731 unauthorised colonies, including the affluent/'posh' colonies.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q10. Which single body is the nodal implementing agency for the PM-UDAY scheme for conferring property rights in Delhi's unauthorised colonies?

  • A. Delhi Development Authority (DDA)
  • B. Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD)
  • C. Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB)
  • D. New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC)

Q11. With reference to disaster-management architecture and the 2026 urban fire incidents, consider the following: 1. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex body chaired by the Prime Minister. 2. The Malviya Nagar (Hauz Rani) fire occurred in Delhi. 3. The Aliganj fire that killed mostly students occurred in Gurugram. 4. The NDMA was set up as the apex statutory body under the Disaster Management Act, 2005. Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. The National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) is the apex body chaired by the Prime Minister.
  2. The Malviya Nagar (Hauz Rani) fire occurred in Delhi.
  3. The Aliganj fire that killed mostly students occurred in Gurugram.
  4. The NDMA was set up as the apex statutory body under the Disaster Management Act, 2005.
  • A. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • B. 2, 3 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 4 only
  • D. 1, 2, 3 and 4

Q12. Consider the following statements comparing Delhi's civic institutions: 1. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is an elected body, whereas the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is a nominated body. 2. The NDMC covers a larger share of the National Capital Territory's area than the MCD. 3. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is a Union Government body responsible for urban planning in Delhi. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is an elected body, whereas the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) is a nominated body.
  2. The NDMC covers a larger share of the National Capital Territory's area than the MCD.
  3. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) is a Union Government body responsible for urban planning in Delhi.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3