UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Authorities lax in ensuring women’s safety in Delhi: SC

Q1. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. The right to live with dignity is expressly written into the text of Article 21 of the Constitution of India.
  2. The Supreme Court has held that 'life' under Article 21 means more than mere animal existence.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q2. With reference to the powers of the Supreme Court of India to act in matters of public concern, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Public Interest Litigation relaxed the rule of locus standi, so a person who is not personally aggrieved may approach the Court on behalf of others.
  2. The Court has invoked Article 142 to issue directions to authorities in areas where no statute specifically required the action directed.
  3. Suo motu cognisance requires an aggrieved person to first file a petition, which the Court then converts into a public interest case.
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3
  • D. 1 only

Q3. With reference to the constitutional position of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The Delhi Legislative Assembly can make laws on matters in the Concurrent List.
  2. Since land is a State List subject, the Delhi Legislative Assembly has the competence to legislate on land in Delhi.
  3. A sexual offence committed on a bus travelling from Greater Noida into Delhi may require coordination between police forces answerable to different governments.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 and 3 only

Q4. With reference to trials under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, 2012, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. The Act provides for Special Courts for the purpose of ensuring speedy trial.
  2. Where an offence requires a culpable mental state, the Special Court's presumption of such a mental state is conclusive and cannot be rebutted by the accused.
  3. For specified offences, the Special Court presumes that the accused committed the offence unless the contrary is proved.
  • A. 3 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 only
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q5. Suppose the elected Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi introduces a Bill in the Delhi Legislative Assembly to restructure beat patrolling by the Delhi Police. Which one of the following correctly describes the constitutional position?

  • A. It cannot be enacted, because police is expressly kept outside the legislative competence of the Delhi Assembly
  • B. It can be enacted, because police is a State List subject and the Assembly may legislate on State List matters
  • C. It cannot be enacted, because the Delhi Legislative Assembly may legislate only on matters in the Concurrent List
  • D. It can be enacted, but only if the Lieutenant Governor first reserves the Bill for the assent of the President

Q6. Consider the following statements regarding judicial intervention in police reform in India: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. Although 'police' is a State subject, the Supreme Court has issued directions on police reforms while deciding a public interest litigation.
  2. The Supreme Court's directions in Prakash Singh v. Union of India were confined to State police forces and did not contemplate any body at the Union level.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 only
  • C. Both 1 and 2
  • D. Neither 1 nor 2