Law 2022 Paper II 50 marks Discuss

Q8

(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 प्रश्न 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)

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Directive word: Discuss

This question asks you to discuss. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'discuss' demands a comprehensive, analytical treatment with balanced coverage across all three sub-parts. Allocate approximately 40% of time/words to part (a) given its 20-mark weight, and roughly 30% each to parts (b) and (c). Structure with a brief unified introduction, then dedicated sections for each sub-part with clear sub-headings, followed by a synthesizing conclusion that connects agency principles, contractual time obligations, and patent policy objectives.

Key points expected

  • Part (a): Essentials of agency (consent, competency, lawful consideration); modes of creation (express, implied, ratification, estoppel, necessity) under Sections 182-238 ICA 1872; termination modes (revocation, renunciation, death/insanity, completion, destruction of subject-matter)
  • Part (a): Distinction between agent and servant, coupled with authority-dependency analysis
  • Part (b): 'Time is essence' doctrine under Section 55 ICA 1872; distinction between mandatory and directory time stipulations; remedies (rescission, damages, specific performance refusal, extension by waiver)
  • Part (b): Judicial discretion under Section 55(2) and the 'commercial purpose' test from precedents
  • Part (c): Section 3(d) Patent Act 1970—'efficacy' requirement and anti-evergreening provision; Novartis AG v. Union of India (2013) 6 SCC 1—Supreme Court's interpretation of 'enhanced efficacy'
  • Part (c): Balance between innovation incentives and public health access; TRIPS compliance debate and Doha Declaration implications
  • Cross-cutting: Evolution from common law agency principles to statutory codification; contractual time stipulations reflecting commercial urgency; patent law's shift from product to process patents and back
  • Synthesis: How agency law's fiduciary principles, contract law's time sanctity, and patent law's public interest balancing represent interconnected facets of commercial law regulation

Evaluation rubric

DimensionWeightMax marksExcellentAveragePoor
Provision / section accuracy20%10Precise citation of Sections 182-238, 55 ICA 1872 for (a)-(b); exact wording of Section 3(d) and its 2005 amendment context for (c); no conflation of 1872 Act with Sale of Goods Act provisionsBroad identification of correct statutes with minor numbering errors; conflates Section 55 with Section 39 or misstates Section 3(d) as 'novelty' provisionWrong statute citations (e.g., citing CPC for agency); fundamental confusion between Contract Act and Specific Relief Act remedies
Case-law citation20%10For (a): Lakshmi Narayan Ram Gopal v. State of Hyderabad; for (b): Chand Rani v. Kamal Rani, Jamshed v. Burjorji; for (c): Novartis (2013) with paragraph-specific reasoning, plus Bishwanath Prasad Radhey Shyam v. Hindustan Metal IndustriesMentions Novartis case generically without specific ratio; cites one or two contract law cases without factual contextNo case law; or invents cases; or cites foreign precedents (e.g., English agency cases) without noting their persuasive status in India
Doctrinal analysis20%10For (a): Analyses 'implied authority' vs. 'usual authority' distinction; for (b): Explains 'time at large' doctrine and equitable relief limitations; for (c): Critiques 'therapeutic efficacy' vs. 'physical efficacy' debate and incremental innovation policyDescribes doctrines without analytical depth; states rules without underlying policy rationale for patent evergreeningPurely descriptive with no doctrinal engagement; confuses agency with partnership; treats Section 3(d) as absolute bar without nuanced interpretation
Comparative / constitutional angle20%10For (c): Contrasts Indian Section 3(d) with US 'non-obviousness' standard and EU 'inventive step'; connects to Article 21 right to health and Article 47 directive principle; for (a)-(b): References English common law development where relevantMentions TRIPS/Doha Declaration superficially; generic reference to 'public interest' without constitutional groundingNo comparative or constitutional perspective; ignores international law context entirely for patent question
Conclusion & application20%10Synthesizes how all three parts reflect law's balancing of private autonomy (agency, contract time) with public interest (patent access); suggests reform for Section 3(d) clarity or proposes unified commercial code; demonstrates contemporary relevance (COVID-19 compulsory licensing, e-commerce agency)Summarizes each part separately without integration; generic conclusion on 'importance of law'No conclusion; or abrupt ending; or introduces new arguments in conclusion without development

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