Human Rights, Protective Laws, RTI, Consumer, IT, Environment & Anti-Corruption Statutes — Practice

Question 1

What are the powers of the National Human Rights Commission?

Accepted Answer

It inquires into violations of human rights by public servants, visits jails, reviews safeguards and recommends compensation or action, but its recommendations are not binding. It was created by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

Question 2

State the time limit for a response under the RTI Act.

Accepted Answer

30 days from the application, and 48 hours where the information concerns the life or liberty of a person. Appeals go to the first appellate authority and then the Information Commission.

Question 3

What happened to Section 66A of the IT Act?

Accepted Answer

The Supreme Court struck it down in 2015 in Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, holding that it violated freedom of speech and expression.

Question 4

Compare the Domestic Violence Act, 2005 with the criminal provisions on cruelty. (~100 words)

Accepted Answer

The Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005 gives civil remedies: protection orders, residence in the shared household and monetary relief, through Protection Officers and magistrates. It covers physical, sexual, verbal, emotional and economic abuse, and applies to women in a shared household, including partners. The criminal provision on cruelty by a husband or relatives is now in the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and punishes the offender. The Act aims at quick relief and safety, while the criminal law aims at punishment, and the two can be used together.

Question 5

Describe the SC and ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 and its amendments. (~100 words)

Accepted Answer

The Act lists offences such as forced eviction, social boycott, humiliation and violence against Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes, and provides special courts and relief and rehabilitation for victims. An amendment in 2015 added new offences and exclusive special courts. After a 2018 Supreme Court ruling introduced a preliminary enquiry, Parliament restored immediate registration and the bar on anticipatory bail that year. Challenges include low conviction rates, delays and under-reporting.

Question 6

What are the main features of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019?

Accepted Answer

It replaced the 1986 Act, created the Central Consumer Protection Authority, introduced product liability and rules on misleading advertisements and e-commerce, and provides three tiers of District, State and National Commissions divided by claim value.

Question 7

Name four anti-corruption laws and institutions.

Accepted Answer

The Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 (amended 2018), the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013, the Prevention of Money Laundering Act 2002 and the Whistle Blowers Protection Act 2014. In Chhattisgarh, the Lokayog and the Lok Sewa Guarantee Act 2011 add to these.

Question 8

Evaluate the impact of the Right to Information Act, 2005. (~175 words)

Accepted Answer

The RTI Act converted secrecy into the exception by giving every citizen a legal right to information from public authorities, with a Public Information Officer, a first appeal and Information Commissions, and a 30-day limit. It has exposed delays and irregularities, supported audits of the PDS and pensions, and empowered ordinary citizens, especially in rural areas. Its limits are serious. Commissions have large pendency, appointments have been slow, applicants have faced threats, and exemptions and the wide 'personal information' clause are sometimes misused. Amendments in 2019, which gave the Centre control over commissioners' tenure and pay, and the Digital Personal Data Protection Act of 2023, which changed the personal-information exemption, have raised concern about independence and scope. Proactive disclosure, digital portals, timely appointments and protection for applicants would strengthen it, and it remains a cornerstone of accountable governance.

Question 9

Discuss the legal framework to prevent corruption in India and its gaps. (~175 words)

Accepted Answer

India's framework combines criminal law, institutions and transparency. The Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, amended in 2018, punishes bribe-taking and bribe-giving, and Section 17A requires prior approval to inquire into official decisions. The Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 created ombudsmen at the Centre and in states, and the Central Vigilance Commission oversees vigilance. The Prevention of Money Laundering Act and the Benami law target the proceeds of corruption, and the RTI Act and service-delivery guarantee laws such as Chhattisgarh's Lok Sewa Guarantee Act reduce discretion. Gaps remain: the Whistle Blowers Protection Act is not fully operational, Lokayukta appointments and independence vary, prior approval can shield officials, and prosecutions are slow. Stronger protection for whistleblowers, timely trials, e-governance and citizen monitoring are needed to close them.

Practice — Human Rights, Protective Laws, RTI, Consumer, IT, Environment & Anti-Corruption Statutes

Sign in to save attempts to your dashboard and track your accuracy over time

Find a verified tutor

Join a live course

Browse coaching centres

About

Categories

Support

Documentation

Get Study Tips & Updates

Download Our App

Download for iOS

Download for Android

Popular Cities