All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Law 2021 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2021Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Criminal law and torts fundamentals (1)Attempt in IPC and torts remedies (1)Rape law evolution and torts liability (1)No-fault liability and defamation defences (1)Contract law and environmental law fundamentals (1)Contract discharge and IT law (1)Arbitration and media trial (1)Quasi contracts and LLP Act (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsorydiscussCriminal law and torts fundamentals
Answer the following in about 150 words each. Support your answer with relevant provisions and judicial pronouncements. 10×5=50
(a) What amounts to 'Legal Insanity' that would entitle an accused for exemption from Criminal Liability ? 10
(b) Discuss 'Grave and Sudden Provocation' as a defence to charge of murder under IPC, 1860 ? 10
(c) Explain the concept of Plea-bargaining under the Cr.P.C. 1973. In what cases Plea-bargaining is not available ? 10
(d) Discuss the ambit & scope of 'consumer' as defined under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. 10
(e) What constitutes 'Malicious Prosecution' ? How it is different from 'False Imprisonment' ? 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए । प्रासंगिक प्रावधानों तथा न्यायिक निर्णयों को अपने उत्तर के समर्थन में दीजिए । 10×5=50
(a) 'विधि के अनुसार पागलपन' का क्या मतलब है जो एक आरोपी को आपराधिक दायित्व से छूट का हकदार बनाता है ? 10
(b) आई.पी.सी. 1860 के तहत हत्या के आरोप के बचाव के रूप में 'गंभीर और अचानक प्रकोपन' पर चर्चा कीजिए । 10
(c) सी.आर.पी.सी. 1973 के तहत अभिव्यक्त सौदेबाजी (प्ली बारगेनिंग) की अवधारणा को स्पष्ट कीजिए । किन मामलों में प्ली बारगेनिंग उपलब्ध नहीं है ? 10
(d) उपभोक्ता संरक्षण अधिनियम, 2019 के तहत परिभाषित, 'उपभोक्ता' के दायरे और गुंजाइश (एम्बिट एंड स्कोप) पर चर्चा करें । 10
(e) 'द्वेषपूर्ण अभियोजन' का गठन किस प्रकार होता है ? यह 'मिथ्या कारावास' से कैसे अलग है ? 10
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Issue > Rule > Authority > Application. (a) define: precise definition > the distinguishing feature > one example | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (d) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (e) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion Full marks: Precise statutory citation, clear case law application, and balanced discussion of all dimensions.
State BNS s.22 (IPC s.84) and the M'Naghten cognitive test
Insanity must exist at the time of the act; legal vs medical insanity
Burden on the accused on preponderance of probabilities (Dahyabhai 1964)
Exception 1 to BNS s.101 (IPC s.300) and its three provisos
Meaning of grave and sudden; loss of self-control; no cooling time
Exclusions: offences punishable >7 years/death/life, socio-economic offences, offences against women or children below 14, previous conviction, juveniles
Define consumer under s.2(7) for goods and services including users/beneficiaries
Exclusions: resale and commercial purpose (extended to services in 2019)
Explanations: self-employment livelihood saved; online and offline transactions
Elements of malicious prosecution: prosecution, termination in plaintiff's favour, no reasonable cause, malice, damage
Define false imprisonment: total restraint without lawful justification
(a) Has 'Attempt' been defined anywhere in the IPC, 1860 ? What are the various tests for determining, whether an act amounts to preparation or attempt to commit an offence ? Explain with the help of relevant case laws. 20
(b) Differentiate between the following : 5×3=15
(i) 'Kidnapping' and 'Abduction'
(ii) 'Riot' and 'Affray'
(iii) 'Criminal Breach of Trust' and 'Dishonest Misappropriation of property'.
(c) What are the various kinds of 'damages' that a plaintiff can avail as a remedy under the law of Torts ? Under what circumstances can "prospective damages" be awarded ? 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) क्या आई.पी.सी., 1860 में 'प्रयत्न' (अटेम्प्ट) को कहीं पर परिभाषित किया गया है ? क्या एक कार्य किसी अपराध को करने की तैयारी या प्रयास के बराबर है, यह निर्धारित करने के लिए विभिन्न परीक्षण क्या हैं ? प्रासंगिक निर्णयजन्य विधि/केस कानूनों की सहायता से व्याख्या कीजिए । 20
(b) निम्नलिखित के बीच अंतर करें : 5×3=15
(i) 'अपहरण' (किडनैपिंग) एवं 'अपहरण' (एबडक्शन)
(ii) बलवा (रायट) और दंगा (एफ्रे)
(iii) 'आपराधिक विश्वास-भंग' और 'बेईमानी से संपत्ति का दुर्विनियोग' ।
(c) विभिन्न प्रकार के 'नुकसान' क्या हैं जो एक वादी (प्लेन्टिफ) टोर्ट्स कानून के तहत एक उपाय के रूप में लाभ उठा सकता है ? किन परिस्थितियों में 'संभावित मुआवजा' दिया जा सकता है ? 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Issue > Rule: statute or Article > Authority > Application and conclusion. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b(i)) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (b(ii)) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (b(iii)) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise statutory citations, correct case law, clear distinctions, and balanced analysis.
Attempt is not defined in the IPC or BNS; BNS s.62 (IPC s.511) punishes attempts to commit offences (with BNS ss.109–110 (IPC ss.307, 308) and IPC s.393 as specific attempts)
Stages of crime: intention, preparation, attempt, commission; preparation is generally not punishable
Tests to separate preparation from attempt: proximity rule, doctrine of locus poenitentiae (Malkiat Singh v State of Punjab, 1970), equivocality test, impossibility (Asgarali Pradhania v Emperor, 1933)
Apply the tests to the facts and conclude whether the stage of attempt was reached
Section 359: kidnapping is of two kinds
Section 360: kidnapping from India
Section 361: kidnapping from lawful guardianship (boy under 16, girl under 18, person of unsound mind)
Section 362: abduction by force or deceit; abduction is a continuing act and not by itself an offence, kidnapping is complete on taking
Cite Section 146 IPC for 'Riot'
Cite Section 159 IPC for 'Affray'
Distinguish 'common object' (Riot) from 'public place' (Affray)
Distinguish '5 or more persons' (Riot) from '2 or more persons' (Affray)
Section 403: dishonest misappropriation of property already innocently in possession
Section 405: criminal breach of trust requires entrustment of property or dominion over it
Entrustment is the dividing line: no entrustment, no breach of trust
Both require dishonesty; the difference is how the property came to the accused
List kinds of damages: nominal, contemptuous, compensatory (general and special), aggravated, exemplary
Explain prospective damages as compensation for future loss under the once-and-for-all rule
Conditions: reasonable certainty, not remote, capable of estimation
Contrast continuing torts where fresh causes of action arise
(a) From 'Mathura' to 'Nirbhaya' and beyond, discuss the development of Rape laws in India. 20
(b) Explain the liability of 'Joint Tortfeasors' for a wrongful Act. How is it different from the liability of 'Independent Tortfeasors' ? 15
(c) In an action for 'Negligence', what does the plantiff need to establish in order to affix civil liability of defendant ? What does it take for the maxim 'res ipsa loquitor' to apply ? 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारत में बलात्कार कानूनों के विकास पर 'मथुरा' से 'निर्भया' और उसके आगे तक चर्चा कीजिए । 20
(b) एक सदोष कार्य के लिए 'संयुक्त अपकृत्यकर्ताओं' के दायित्व की व्याख्या कीजिए। 'स्वतंत्र अपकृत्यकर्ता' के दायित्व से यह किस प्रकार भिन्न है ? 15
(c) 'लापरवाही' के वाद में, प्रतिवादी के दीवानी दायित्व को सुनिश्चित करने के लिए, वादी को क्या स्थापित करने की आवश्यकता होती है ? स्वयं प्रमाण 'रेस इप्सा लोक्विटर' का सूत्र कैसे लागू किया जाता है ? 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Issue > Rule > Authority > Application. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise legal citations, clear distinctions, and comprehensive coverage of all required elements.
Mathura case: Tukaram v State of Maharashtra (1979) and consent inferred from passive submission
50MdiscussNo-fault liability and defamation defences
(a) Discuss the evolution and development of rule relating to 'No-fault liability' in India with help of decided cases. 20
(b) What are the defences available to an accused in a civil suit for 'defamation' ? Explain. 15
(c) Recently there have been changes in Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Enumerate. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) विविधित मामलों (डिसाइडेड केसेस) की मदद से भारत में, 'नो-फॉल्ट लायबिलिटी' से संबंधित नियम के उद्भव एवं विकास पर चर्चा कीजिए। 20
(b) एक अभियुक्त को 'मानहानि' के लिए सिविल वाद में कौन से प्रतिवाद उपलब्ध होते हैं ? व्याख्या कीजिए। 15
(c) हाल ही में अनुसूचित जाति और अनुसूचित जनजाति (अत्याचार निवारण) अधिनियम, 1989 में परिवर्तन हुए हैं। निरूपण कीजिए। 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Issue > Rule: statute or Article > Authority > Application and conclusion. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) enumerate: list the items in order > one line each > no commentary Full marks: Precise statutory citations, clear distinction of legal concepts, and accurate enumeration of amendments.
Rylands v Fletcher strict liability and its exceptions
M.C. Mehta (1987): absolute, non-delegable liability for hazardous enterprises, no exceptions, compensation linked to capacity
Statutory no-fault schemes: Motor Vehicles Act (ss.140/163A, now s.164), Public Liability Insurance Act 1991, NGT Act s.17(3)
Later reaffirmation: Indian Council for Enviro-Legal Action (1996) with polluter pays
Justification (truth) as a complete civil defence (no public-good requirement)
Fair comment: opinion, public interest, true facts, honest, no malice
Absolute privilege (Parliament, courts) vs qualified privilege (duty-interest, fair reports) defeated by malice
50M150wCompulsorycommentContract law and environmental law fundamentals
Answer the following in about 150 words each. Support your answers with relevant provisions and judicial pronouncements. 10×5=50
(a) Minor's contract is 'void ab initio'. Comment. 10
(b) Discuss the constitutionality of Right to Information Act, 2019 in the light of recent judgment by the Supreme Court of India. 10
(c) In legal phraseology "every person who acts for another is not an agent". Comment. 10
(d) India's 40 years old 'Air Act', 1981, languishes in the present circumstances of Air pollution emergency in Delhi — National Capital Region. Comment on the effectiveness of law in the light of judicial and administrative mechanism. 10
(e) 'With the globalisation of trade, brand names, trade names and trade marks have attained an immense value and therefore it requires an effective trade mark law'. Discuss. 10
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिए। प्रासंगिक प्रावधानों तथा न्यायिक निर्णयों को अपने उत्तर के समर्थन में दीजिए। 10×5=50
(a) अवयस्क के साथ की गई संविदा प्रारंभ से ही शून्य (वॉयड एब इनिशियो) मानी जाती है। टिप्पणी कीजिए। 10
(b) भारत के उच्चतम न्यायालय के हाल के निर्णय के आलोक में सूचना का अधिकार अधिनियम, 2019 की संवैधानिकता पर चर्चा कीजिए। 10
(c) विधिक पदावली में "प्रत्येक व्यक्ति जो दूसरे के लिए कार्य करता है वह (एजेंट) अभिकर्ता नहीं है"। टिप्पणी कीजिए। 10
(d) दिल्ली — राष्ट्रीय राजधानी क्षेत्र में वायु प्रदूषण आपातकाल की वर्तमान परिस्थितियों में भारत का 40 वर्ष पुराना 'वायु अधिनियम', 1981 दम तोड़ रहा है। न्यायिक और प्रशासनिक प्रक्रिया के आलोक में कानून की प्रभावशीलता पर टिप्पणी कीजिए। 10
(e) 'व्यापार के वैश्वीकरण के साथ ब्रांड नामों, व्यापार नामों और व्यापार चिह्नों ने असीम महत्व प्राप्त कर लिया है और इसलिए एक प्रभावी ट्रेडमार्क कानून की आवश्यकता है'। विवेचना कीजिए। 10
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Issue > Rule: statute or Article > Authority > Application and conclusion. (a) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (d) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (e) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise statutory citations, relevant case law, clear application to the specific context, balanced conclusion.
Sections 10 and 11 ICA; age of majority under the Indian Majority Act 1875
Mohori Bibee v Dharmodas Ghose (1903): void ab initio, no restitution under ss.64/65
Consequences: no ratification, no estoppel, no personal liability
Exceptions/qualifications: necessaries (s.68), minor as promisee/beneficiary, agent, partnership benefits
RTI as part of Art 19(1)(a) (Raj Narain, S.P. Gupta, ADR)
Changes by the RTI (Amendment) Act 2019 to ss.13 and 16 and the independence concern
(a) What are the various modes in which a contract may be discharged ? Explain in the light of decided cases. 20
(b) Dwell on the legality and constitutionality of Section 66A, Information Technology Act, 2000. 15
(c) Write short notes on the following : 5×3=15
(i) Caveat Emptor
(ii) Uberrima fides
(iii) Nemo dat quod non habet
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) विभिन्न तरीके क्या हैं जिनमें एक अनुबंध का निर्वहन किया जा सकता है ? निर्णीत मामलों के आलोक में व्याख्या करें । 20
(b) सेक्शन 66A सूचना प्रौद्योगिकी अधिनियम, 2000 की वैधता और संवैधानिकता पर विस्तारपूर्वक लिखिए । 15
(c) निम्नलिखित पर संक्षिप्ट टिप्पणी लिखिए : 5×3=15
(i) केविएट एम्पटर
(ii) युबेरिमा फाइड्स
(iii) नेमो डैट क्वोड नॉन हैबेट
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Issue > Rule > Authority > Application. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) examine: intro > how/why with reasoning > evidence > conclusion | (c(i)) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (c(ii)) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance | (c(iii)) write short notes: define > 3-4 key features > one example > one-line significance Full marks: Precise legal language, correct case citations, clear application of law to facts, and balanced analysis.
List the modes: performance (ss.37–38), agreement (ss.62–63), impossibility (s.56), lapse of time, operation of law, breach (s.39)
Cite a decided case for each mode (e.g., Startup v Macdonald; Satyabrata Ghose; Hochster v De la Tour)
State the rule or section for each mode
State the substance of s.66A (inserted 2008)
Shreya Singhal v UoI (2015) striking it down
Reasoning: no proximate nexus with Art 19(2) grounds (discussion/advocacy/incitement), vagueness, overbreadth, chilling effect
(a) Section 8 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996 denotes a provision which limits judicial intervention in the process of arbitration ? Elucidate the statement with support of case law development on the point. 20
(b) 'No customer in a thousand ever read the conditions. If he had stopped to do so, he would have missed the boat'. Critically examine the contractuality of a standard form of contract in view of the above statement. 15
(c) Discuss the symbiotic relationship between Media Trial and Fair Trial with reference to judicial approach. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) मध्यस्थता और सुलह अधिनियम, 1996 का सेक्शन 8 एक प्रावधान को दर्शाता है जो मध्यस्थता की प्रक्रिया में न्यायिक हस्तक्षेप को सीमित करता है । इस बिंदु पर निर्णयजन्य विधि विकास (केस लॉ डेवलपमेंट) के समर्थन से कथन का विशदीकरण (इल्युसिडेट) कीजिए । 20
(b) 'हजारों में कोई एक भी ग्राहक कभी शर्तों को नहीं पढ़ता । यदि वह ऐसा करने के लिए रुक गया होता, वह नाव से चूक गया होता' । उपरोक्त कथन को ध्यान में रखते हुए एक मानक रूपी संविदा की संविदात्मकता का समालोचनात्मक परीक्षण कीजिए । 15
(c) न्यायिक दृष्टिकोण के संदर्भ में मीडिया ट्रायल और फेयर ट्रायल के बीच सहजीवी संबंध पर चर्चा करें । 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Issue > Rule: statute or Article > Authority > Application and conclusion. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) critique: the claim > its strengths > its weaknesses > your judgment | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise statutory citation, strong case law with ratio, balanced analysis, clear application to facts
Explain s.5 and s.8 (as amended 2015): mandatory referral unless prima facie no valid arbitration agreement
Trace case law: Anand Gajapathi Raju (2000), Sukanya Holdings (2003), Booz Allen (2011)
Post-2015 position: Vidya Drolia (2020) prima facie review and 'when in doubt, do refer'
Link to kompetenz-kompetenz (s.16)
Identify the statement (Lord Denning, Thornton v Shoe Lane Parking) and the fiction of consent
Strengths/utility of standard forms and the signature rule (L'Estrange v Graucob)
Judicial safeguards: reasonable notice, red hand rule, contra proferentem, unconscionability
Judgment on contractuality with Indian law (Brojo Nath Ganguly; CPA 2019 unfair contract)
(a) Discuss the concept and classification of 'Quasi contracts' under Indian Contract Act, 1872. 20
(b) "Limited Liability Partnership is an alternative corporate form that gives the benefit of limited liability of a company and flexibility of a partnership". In the light of the above discuss the chief characteristics of Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008. 15
(c) How does any factor vitiating 'free consent', affect a contract ? Explain. 15
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(a) भारतीय संविदा अधिनियम, 1872 के अंतर्गत 'क्वासी कॉन्ट्रैक्ट' की अवधारणा और वर्गीकरण पर चर्चा कीजिए । 20
(b) "सीमित देयता भागीदारी एक वैकल्पिक कॉर्पोरेट प्ररूप है जो एक कंपनी की सीमित देयता और साझेदारी के लचीलेपन का लाभ देता है । उपरोक्त के आलोक में सीमित देयता भागीदारी अधिनियम, 2008 की मुख्य विशेषताओं पर चर्चा करें । 15
(c) कोई भी कारक जो 'मुक्त सहमति' को दूषित (विशिएटिंग फ्री कन्सेंट) करता है, एक अनुबंध को कैसे प्रभावित करता है ? स्पष्ट कीजिए । 15
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Issue > Rule > Authority > Application. (a) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise statutory references, case law with ratio, clear application to facts, balanced analysis.
Define quasi-contract: obligation imposed by law, no consent; unjust enrichment basis
Classify correctly: s.68 necessaries; s.69 payment by interested person; s.70 non-gratuitous act; s.71 finder of goods; s.72 mistake or coercion
Cite a case for key heads (e.g., B.K. Mondal 1962 for s.70; Kanhaiya Lal 1959 for s.72)
Separate legal entity and perpetual succession (s.3)
Limited liability of partners (s.28) and LLP's own liability (s.27); unlimited liability for fraud (s.30)
No mutual agency (s.26); flexibility through LLP agreement (s.23)
Designated partners and compliance (ss.6–7, 34–35)
Define consent (s.13) and free consent (s.14)
Explain each vitiating factor (ss.15–18, 20–22) with its effect: voidable (ss.19, 19A) or void (s.20)