All 8 questions from UPSC Civil Services Mains Law 2022 Paper II (400 marks total). Every stem reproduced in full, with directive-word analysis, marks, word limits, and answer-approach pointers.
8Questions
400Total marks
2022Year
Paper IIPaper
Topics covered
Criminal law and tort law fundamentals (1)State liability and criminal law principles (1)Criminal law - unlawful assembly, defamation and rape (1)Attempt to suicide, consumer protection and tortious liability (1)Contract law and commercial laws (1)Suretyship, competition law and emergency arbitration (1)Contract frustration, IT Act and consideration (1)Agency, time as essence of contract and patent law (1)
A
Q1
50M150wCompulsoryexplainCriminal law and tort law fundamentals
Answer the following in about 150 words each. Support your answers with relevant legal provisions and judicial pronouncements : 10×5=50
(a) "The existence of mens rea along with commission of actus reus makes the act an offence." Explain. (10 marks)
(b) What are the remedies available under the Law of Tort other than damages? Discuss by citing suitable illustrations. (10 marks)
(c) Analyze the effectiveness of Sections 326-A and 326-B of the Indian Penal Code, 1860. What additional suggestions have been made by the Supreme Court of India in Laxmi vs. Union of India Case in 2015 ? (10 marks)
(d) How far has Section 7-A of the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955 been effective to control untouchability in India? (10 marks)
(e) The Right of Private Defence is based on the cardinal principle that it is the primary duty of man to help himself, but this right is not absolute. Explain. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिये। आपका उत्तर सुसंगत विधिक प्रावधानों और न्यायिक निर्णयों से समर्थित कीजिये : 10×5=50
(क) "ऐक्टस रियस के साथ मेन्स रिया की उपस्थिति कृत्य को अपराध बनाती है।" व्याख्या कीजिये। (10 अंक)
(ख) अपकृत्य विधि के अन्तर्गत प्रतिकर के अलावा कौन-से उपचार उपलब्ध हैं? उपयुक्त उदाहरणों के उद्धरण देते हुए विवेचन कीजिये। (10 अंक)
(ग) भारतीय दण्ड संहिता, 1860 की धाराएँ 326-A और 326-B की प्रभावशीलता का विश्लेषण कीजिये। लक्ष्मी बनाम भारत संघ के मामले, 2015 में भारत के सर्वोच्च न्यायालय ने क्या अतिरिक्त सुझाव दिये हैं? (10 अंक)
(घ) भारत में अस्पृश्यता नियंत्रण में सिविल अधिकार संरक्षण अधिनियम, 1955 की धारा 7-A कहाँ तक प्रभावी है? (10 अंक)
(ङ) प्राइवेट प्रतिरक्षा का अधिकार इस आधारभूत सिद्धांत पर आधारित है कि स्वयं की सहायता मनुष्य का प्राथमिक कर्तव्य है, किन्तु यह अधिकार निर्बाध (पूर्ण) नहीं है। समझाइये। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Issue > Rule > Authority > Application. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) analyse: intro > causes > effects > stakeholders/linkages > way forward | (d) evaluate: criteria > evidence > balanced judgment | (e) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close Full marks: Precise legal definitions, accurate case citations, clear application to the specific question, and balanced analysis.
Define mens rea as guilty mind
Define actus reus as guilty act
Cite a case establishing the principle
Explain the exception of strict liability
Injunctions: temporary (O.39), perpetual (SRA ss.37-38), mandatory (s.39), quia timet
Specific restitution of immovable (SRA ss.5-6) and movable property (ss.7-8)
Declaration (SRA s.34) and account of profits
Extra-judicial remedies: expulsion of trespasser, re-entry, re-caption, abatement, distress damage feasant, with illustrations
Ingredients and punishments under BNS s.124(1)-(2) (earlier IPC s.326A and s.326B)
50MexplainState liability and criminal law principles
(a) The 'State Liability' under the Law of Tort has undergone metamorphosis. Explain with the help of case laws. (20 marks)
(b) "The provisions of Section 149 of the IPC, 1860 relate to the question of offence while Section 34 is a question of evidence." Give reasons for the statement. (15 marks)
(c) How is the rule of 'absolute liability' different from 'strict liability'? Cite the relevant judgements. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(क) अपकृति विधि के अंतर्गत 'राज्य दायित्व' रूपान्तरणों से गुजरा है। निर्णय विधि की सहायता से व्याख्या कीजिये। (20 अंक)
(ख) "भारतीय दण्ड संहिता (आई० पी० सी०), 1860 की धारा 149 के प्रावधान अपराध के प्रश्न से सम्बन्धित हैं, जबकि धारा 34 साक्ष्य के प्रश्न से।" इस कथन के कारणों का उल्लेख कीजिये। (15 अंक)
(ग) 'पूर्ण (आत्यंतिक) दायित्व' का नियम, 'कठोर दायित्व' से किस प्रकार भिन्न है? प्रासांगिक निर्णयों का उद्धरण दीजिये। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Issue > Rule > Authority > Application. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) justify: claim > 3-4 reasons > evidence > conclusion | (c) compare: paired headings or table > key differences > significance > conclusion Full marks: Precise legal reasoning, accurate case citations, clear distinction between concepts, and balanced analysis.
Sovereign immunity origin and Art 300; P&O Steam Navigation (1861) sovereign/non-sovereign test
50MdiscussCriminal law - unlawful assembly, defamation and rape
(a) What do you understand by an 'unlawful assembly'? Discuss the circumstances when a lawful assembly becomes unlawful. Support your answer with suitable illustrations. (20 marks)
(b) "The 'Right of Reputation' is acknowledged as an inherent personal right of every person." Discuss the statement in the light of Law of Defamation in India. (15 marks)
(c) "The consent of victim negates the offence of rape." How far will it be true in case it is obtained by the offender on the false promise of marriage? (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(क) 'विधि-विरुद्ध जमाव' से आप क्या समझते हैं? उन परिस्थितियों का विवेचन कीजिये, जब विधिसंगत जमाव विधि-विरुद्ध हो जाता है। सुसंगत उदाहरणों के साथ अपने उत्तर का समर्थन कीजिये। (20 अंक)
(ख) "'प्रतिष्ठा का अधिकार' प्रत्येक व्यक्ति का अंतर्निहित व्यक्तिगत अधिकार माना जाता है।" भारत में मानहानि सम्बन्धी विधि के प्रकाश में इस कथन का विवेचन कीजिये। (15 अंक)
(ग) "'पीड़ित की सहमति, बलात्कार के अपराध को नकारती है।' विवाह की झूठी प्रतिज्ञा देकर अपराधी द्वारा प्राप्त की गई सहमति के मामले में यह कहाँ तक सही है? (15 अंक)
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) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Precise statutory citations, clear application of law to facts, balanced discussion with case law.
Define unlawful assembly under s.141 IPC / BNS s.189 with all five common objects
Explain the ingredients: five or more persons, common object, knowing membership (s.142)
Explain the Explanation to s.141: a lawful assembly becomes unlawful when its common object changes
Cover continuing after a dispersal command (s.145, s.151; CrPC s.129 / BNSS s.148)
Give concrete illustrations of a lawful assembly turning unlawful
Establish reputation as part of Art 21 (Dilipkumar Nadkarni 1983; Kiran Bedi 1989)
Discuss Subramanian Swamy v UoI (2016) upholding criminal defamation and balancing Art 19(1)(a) with Art 19(2)
Explain s.499 IPC / BNS s.356 with its Explanations and Exceptions
Distinguish criminal and civil (tort) defamation and their remedies
50MsummarizeAttempt to suicide, consumer protection and tortious liability
(a) Summarize the law relating to 'attempt to suicide' in India. How far the Mental Healthcare Act, 2017 added new dimensions to the law of attempt to suicide in India? (20 marks)
(b) Outline the legal framework for the protection of online consumers provided under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020. (15 marks)
(c) "Tortious liability arises from breach of duty primarily fixed by the law. This duty is towards persons generally and its breach is redressible by an action for unliquidated damages." Comment. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(क) भारत में 'आत्महत्या के प्रयास' से सम्बन्धित विधि का सार प्रस्तुत कीजिए। भारत में आत्महत्या के प्रयास के कानून में मैन्टल हेल्थकेयर अधिनियम, 2017 ने कहाँ तक नये आयाम जोड़े हैं? (20 अंक)
(ख) उपभोक्ता संरक्षण अधिनियम, 2019 और उपभोक्ता संरक्षण (ई-कॉमर्स) नियमों, 2020 के अन्तर्गत ऑनलाइन उपभोक्ताओं को प्रदत्त सुरक्षाओं की विधिक रूपरेखा बनाइए। (15 अंक)
(ग) "प्राथमिक रूप से विधि द्वारा निर्धारित कर्तव्य के भंग होने से अपकृत्यात्मक दायित्व उत्पन्न होता है। यह कर्तव्य सामान्यतया व्यक्तियों के प्रति होता है और इसका भंग अपरिनिधीरित नुकसानी के लिए कार्यवाही द्वारा उपचारयोग्य होता है।" टिप्पणी कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Issue > Rule > Authority > Application. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Precise statutory citations, clear case ratios, and a logical flow from issue to conclusion.
Explain s.309 IPC and its punishment, with abetment under ss.305–306 (BNS ss.107–108)
Trace P. Rathinam (1994) and its overruling in Gian Kaur (1996)
Explain s.115(1) MHCA: rebuttable presumption of severe stress and bar on trial and punishment
Explain s.115(2): State duty of care, treatment and rehabilitation
State the BNS position: no general offence, but s.226 for coercive attempts
CPA 2019 coverage of online consumers: ss.2(7), 2(16), 2(17)
Role and powers of the CCPA (ss.18–21), including misleading advertisements
E-Commerce Rules 2020: duties of all entities (nodal officer, grievance officer 48 hours / one month, no price manipulation, explicit consent)
Distinguish marketplace and inventory entities and their duties (Rules 5–7)
50M150wCompulsoryelucidateContract law and commercial laws
Answer the following in about 150 words each. Support your answers with relevant legal provisions and judicial pronouncements : 10×5=50
(a) "All the contracts are agreements, but all the agreements are not contracts." Elucidate the statement. (10 marks)
(b) Discuss the quasi-criminal nature of Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. (10 marks)
(c) Discuss the implications of the High Level Committee (known as T. S. R. Subramanian Committee) Report, 2014 for review of environment-related laws in India. (10 marks)
(d) Elaborate the conditions and warranties provided under the Sale of Goods Act, 1930. (10 marks)
(e) "The quotation from a work which has already been lawfully made available to the public does not constitute infringement of copyright." Comment. (10 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
निम्नलिखित में से प्रत्येक का लगभग 150 शब्दों में उत्तर दीजिये। आपका उत्तर सुसंगत विधिक प्रावधानों और न्यायिक निर्णयों से समर्थित कीजिये : 10×5=50
(क) "सभी संविदाएँ करार होती हैं, किन्तु सभी करार संविदाएँ नहीं होती हैं।" कथन को विस्तार से समझाइये। (10 अंक)
(ख) परक्राम्य लिखत अधिनियम, 1881 की धारा 138 की अर्द्ध (कल्प)-आपराधिक प्रकृति का विवेचन कीजिये। (10 अंक)
(ग) भारत में पर्यावरण-संबंधी विधियों के पुनरावलोकन हेतु गठित उच्च स्तरीय समिति (जिसे टी० एस० आर० सुब्रमण्यम समिति के नाम से जाना जाता है) के प्रतिवेदन, 2014 के निहितार्थों (विवक्षाओं) का विवेचन कीजिये। (10 अंक)
(घ) माल विक्रय अधिनियम, 1930 के अधीन प्रदत्त शर्तों और आश्वासनों (वारंटी) को विस्तार से बताइये। (10 अंक)
(ङ) "कार्य से कोटेशन (कोटेशन फ्रॉम वर्क), जो कि पूर्व से ही जनता (लोक) को विधितः उपलब्ध कराये जाते हैं, प्रतिलिप्यधिकार का अतिलंघन नहीं करते हैं।" टिप्पणी कीजिये। (10 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Issue > Rule > Authority > Application. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close | (d) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (e) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close Full marks: Precise legal provisions, clear distinction, relevant case law, and balanced conclusion.
Define agreement (s.2(e)) and contract (s.2(h))
State the s.10 essentials that make an agreement enforceable
Give examples of agreements that are not contracts (social/domestic, minors, void agreements ss.26–30)
Ingredients of s.138: legally enforceable debt, dishonour, notice within 30 days, non-payment within 15 days
Criminal features: strict liability, presumption under s.139, vicarious liability s.141
50MelucidateSuretyship, competition law and emergency arbitration
(a) "The liability of a surety is coextensive with principal debtor, unless it is otherwise provided by the contract." Elucidate the statement by narrating the circumstances under which a surety is discharged from his liability. (20 marks)
(b) What do you mean by 'abuse of dominance' and 'abusive conduct' prohibited under the Competition Act, 2002? (15 marks)
(c) Dwell on the concept of emergency arbitration in providing expeditious relief in India. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(क) "प्रतिभू का दायित्व, मूल ऋणी के दायित्व के समविस्तीर्ण होता है, जब तक कि संविदा द्वारा अन्यथा प्रदत्त न हो।" इस कथन को उन परिस्थितियों, जिनमें एक प्रतिभू को उसके दायित्व से उन्मोचित किया जाता है, का वर्णन करते हुए समझाइये। (20 अंक)
(ख) प्रतिस्पर्धा अधिनियम, 2002 के अधीन प्रतिबंधित 'प्रभुत्व के दुरुपयोग' और 'अनुचित व्यवहार' से आप क्या समझते हैं? (15 अंक)
(ग) भारत में त्वरित राहत (उपचार) प्रदान करने में आपातकालीन पंचाट की अवधारणा का विस्तारपूर्वक निरूपण कीजिये। (15 अंक)
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) define: precise definition > the distinguishing feature > one example | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise statutory citations, clear definitions, relevant case law, and balanced analysis.
Explain s.128: surety's liability coextensive with the principal debtor unless otherwise provided
Explain that the creditor need not first proceed against the principal debtor (Bank of Bihar v Damodar Prasad 1969)
List discharge by revocation (ss.130–131), variance (s.133), release of principal debtor (s.134), composition/time (s.135)
Cover discharge by creditor's act impairing remedy (s.139) and loss of security (s.141)
Explain s.4(1): dominance not unlawful, abuse is; define dominant position (Explanation (a))
List s.19(4) factors for dominance
Classify abusive conduct under s.4(2)(a)–(e): unfair/discriminatory conditions and prices, limiting production, denial of market access, tying, leveraging
Distinguish abuse of dominance (the prohibition) from abusive conduct (the listed practices)
Define emergency arbitration and its purpose (interim relief before tribunal is constituted)
Explain the absence of express statutory recognition; 246th Law Commission Report
Discuss Amazon v Future Retail (SC 2021): EA order enforceable under s.17(2) for India-seated arbitration
Explain the position for foreign-seated EA orders (Raffles Design 2016; s.9 route)
50MstateContract frustration, IT Act and consideration
(a) State the circumstances of supervening impossibility and frustration of contract in the light of the decided cases. (20 marks)
(b) "The Information Technology Act, 2000 aimed at e-commerce development, but failed to satisfy growth-building traders and consumer confidence." Comment. (15 marks)
(c) "An agreement without consideration is void." Is there any exception to it? Discuss by giving suitable illustrations. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(क) संविदा की नैराश्यता तथा पर्यवेक्षणीय असंभावनाओं की परिस्थितियों का निर्णीत विधि के आलोक में वर्णन कीजिये। (20 अंक)
(ख) "सूचना तकनीकी अधिनियम, 2000 का उद्देश्य ई-कॉमर्स का विकास करना था, किन्तु यह व्यापारियों के विकास-सृजन और उपभोक्ताओं के आत्मविश्वास को संतुष्ट करने में असफल रहा है।" टिप्पणी कीजिये। (15 अंक)
(ग) "बिना प्रतिफल के करार शून्य है।" क्या इसका कोई अपवाद है? उपयुक्त उदाहरण देकर विवेचना कीजिये। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Issue > Rule > Authority > Application. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) comment: context > arguments both sides > judgment > close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise statutory references, accurate case ratios, and clear application to the specific issues raised.
Explain s.56: initial impossibility, supervening impossibility or illegality, and compensation (para 3)
Satyabrata Ghose (1954): s.56 is a positive rule; 'impossible' means impracticable in view of the object
List circumstances with cases: destruction of subject matter, death/incapacity, non-occurrence of the foundational event, change of law, war
Distinguish what does not frustrate: increased cost or hardship, self-induced frustration
State the objectives and UNCITRAL Model Law basis of the IT Act, 2000
Achievements: recognition of electronic records and signatures (ss.4–5), e-contracts (s.10A), cyber offences
Gaps affecting traders: First Schedule exclusions, no payments or platform framework, weak adjudication
Gaps affecting consumers: no consumer redress, no data-protection law until 2023, low conviction rates, jurisdiction
50MdiscussAgency, time as essence of contract and patent law
(a) What are the essentials of an agency? How is an agency created and terminated under the Indian Contract Act, 1872? (20 marks)
(b) "Time is an essence of the contract." What are the remedies available to the aggrieved party in case of non-fulfilment of obligation within the stipulated time? (15 marks)
(c) Discuss the ambit and scope of Section 3(d) of the Patent Act, 1970 in the context of the Novartis Case, 2013. (15 marks)
हिंदी में पढ़ें
(क) एक अभिकरण की अनिवार्यताएं क्या हैं? भारतीय संविदा अधिनियम, 1872 के अधीन अभिकरण किस प्रकार सृजित और समाप्त किया जाता है? (20 अंक)
(ख) "समय संविदा का सार-तत्त्व है।" नियत समयावधि में दायित्व को पूर्ण न कर पाने के मामले में पीड़ित पक्ष को क्या उपचार उपलब्ध हैं? (15 अंक)
(ग) नोवार्टिस मामला, 2013 के संदर्भ में पेटेंट अधिनियम, 1970 की धारा 3(d) की परिधि (सीमा) और क्षेत्र की विवेचना कीजिए। (15 अंक)
Answer approach & key points
Framework: Issue > Rule > Authority > Application. (a) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (b) explain: definition/context > points in order > small example > short close | (c) discuss: intro > 3-4 dimensions > example > balanced close Full marks: Precise statutory citations, clear application of law to facts, and balanced discussion of authorities.
Define agent and principal (s.182)
Essentials: competent principal (s.183), any person as agent (s.184), no consideration needed (s.185), representative capacity