1. Principles of Administrative Law
Q1. Which of the following is the primary function of administrative law?
a) To regulate criminal law
b) To enforce public law
c) To regulate administrative agencies’ powers and duties
d) To make laws
Answer: c) To regulate administrative agencies’ powers and duties
Q2. Which of the following is true about Administrative Discretion?
a) It is always exercised judicially
b) It is the exercise of power by administrative authorities within legal boundaries
c) It must be exercised without any limitations
d) It is an ultra vires power
Answer: b) It is the exercise of power by administrative authorities within legal boundaries
2. Delegated Legislation
Q3. Delegated legislation refers to:
a) Laws made by the executive, under powers conferred by the legislature
b) Laws enacted by judicial decisions
c) Laws made by local bodies
d) Laws made by the President
Answer: a) Laws made by the executive, under powers conferred by the legislature
Q4. Which of the following is an example of delegated legislation?
a) A law passed by Parliament
b) A notification issued by a Ministry under the authority of an Act of Parliament
c) A Supreme Court judgment
d) A directive issued by the Prime Minister
Answer: b) A notification issued by a Ministry under the authority of an Act of Parliament
3. Judicial Review
Q5. Judicial review is:
a) A power to amend laws
b) A power to examine the legality of administrative actions
c) A power to create laws
d) A power exclusive to the legislative body
Answer: b) A power to examine the legality of administrative actions
Q6. Which of the following cases is associated with the concept of judicial review in administrative law?
a) Keshavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
b) Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
c) Marbury v. Madison
d) L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India
Answer: d) L. Chandra Kumar v. Union of India
4. Rule of Law
Q7. The concept of Rule of Law was popularized by:
a) Montesquieu
b) John Locke
c) A.V. Dicey
d) Karl Marx
Answer: c) A.V. Dicey
Q8. The Rule of Law principle means:
a) Law is supreme and applies equally to all
b) Laws can be made by the executive
c) The judiciary has unlimited powers
d) The legislature can overrule the judiciary
Answer: a) Law is supreme and applies equally to all
5. Natural Justice
Q9. The principle of natural justice includes which of the following?
a) Right to appeal
b) Right to a fair hearing
c) Right to make laws
d) Right to public property
Answer: b) Right to a fair hearing
Q10. Which of the following is a maxim associated with natural justice?
a) Nemo judex in causa sua
b) Audi alteram partem
c) Actus reus non facit reum nisi mens sit rea
d) Nulla poena sine lege
Answer: b) Audi alteram partem
6. Administrative Tribunals
Q11. Administrative Tribunals in India are established under:
a) The Constitution of India
b) The Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985
c) The Indian Penal Code
d) The Supreme Court Rules
Answer: b) The Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985
Q12. Which of the following statements is true regarding the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985?
a) It provides for the creation of specialized courts for administrative disputes
b) It allows the judiciary to intervene in administrative disputes
c) It only applies to the central government employees
d) It prohibits the formation of any tribunals
Answer: a) It provides for the creation of specialized courts for administrative disputes
7. Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Q13. The concept of Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was introduced in India by:
a) Justice P.N. Bhagwati
b) Justice V.R. Krishna Iyer
c) Justice M.N. Venkatachaliah
d) Justice R.S. Pathak
Answer: a) Justice P.N. Bhagwati
Q14. Which of the following is a characteristic of Public Interest Litigation?
a) It can only be filed by the affected parties
b) It is meant to protect public interest
c) It is a private law remedy
d) It is confined to matters of property disputes
Answer: b) It is meant to protect public interest
8. Administrative Accountability
Q15. Administrative accountability refers to:
a) Holding administrative bodies responsible for their actions
b) The process of making laws
c) The judiciary exercising powers over the legislature
d) Ensuring administrative agencies’ policies are implemented correctly
Answer: a) Holding administrative bodies responsible for their actions
Q16. Which of the following is a mechanism for ensuring administrative accountability?
a) Judicial review
b) Legislative control
c) Ombudsman
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above
9. Legislative Control over Administration
Q17. Which of the following is a method of legislative control over the executive?
a) Delegated legislation
b) Judicial review
c) Question hour and debates
d) Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Answer: c) Question hour and debates
Q18. The power to make rules and regulations under delegated legislation is derived from:
a) The Parliament
b) The Constitution of India
c) A statute passed by the legislature
d) Executive orders
Answer: c) A statute passed by the legislature
10. Accountability through Ombudsman
Q19. The institution of the Ombudsman is known as:
a) Lok Sabha
b) Lokayukta
c) Parliamentary Committee
d) Election Commission
Answer: b) Lokayukta
Q20. Which of the following is not the responsibility of the Ombudsman in India?
a) Investigating administrative malpractice
b) Protecting public interest
c) Making laws
d) Recommending actions to improve governance
Answer: c) Making laws
11. Role of Judiciary in Administrative Law
Q21. In which of the following cases did the Supreme Court of India first recognize the concept of judicial review in administrative law?
a) Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
b) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
c) Minerva Mills Ltd. v. Union of India
d) Marbury v. Madison
Answer: b) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
Q22. The doctrine of “Separation of Powers” in administrative law suggests that:
a) The executive, judiciary, and legislature should perform their duties without interference
b) The judiciary has powers to enact laws
c) The executive can make laws
d) The judiciary can control executive orders
Answer: a) The executive, judiciary, and legislature should perform their duties without interference
12. Judicial Remedies and Judicial Review
Q23. The writ of “Certiorari” can be issued to:
a) Prevent an administrative authority from acting beyond its jurisdiction
b) Correct errors of law or jurisdiction by a lower court or tribunal
c) Protect the life and personal liberty of individuals
d) Direct a public authority to do something required by law
Answer: b) Correct errors of law or jurisdiction by a lower court or tribunal
Q24. Which of the following writs is issued to command a lower court or tribunal to produce a record of the case for judicial review?
a) Habeas Corpus
b) Mandamus
c) Certiorari
d) Quo Warranto
Answer: c) Certiorari
13. Public Administration and Administration Law
Q25. Which of the following is the primary function of public administration?
a) To execute laws and implement policies
b) To adjudicate disputes
c) To make laws
d) To legislate on fiscal matters
Answer: a) To execute laws and implement policies
Q26. Administrative law regulates:
a) The relations between the legislature and the executive
b) The functioning of the judiciary
c) The powers of administrative agencies
d) The fundamental rights of citizens
Answer: c) The powers of administrative agencies
14. Prerogative Powers of the Executive
Q27. The term “prerogative powers” refers to:
a) Powers given to the executive by the legislature
b) Exclusive powers of the executive to act without legislative consent
c) Powers derived from the judiciary
d) Powers exercised by local bodies
Answer: b) Exclusive powers of the executive to act without legislative consent
Q28. In the context of prerogative powers, which of the following is an example?
a) The President issuing ordinances
b) Parliament making laws
c) The judiciary reviewing laws
d) The executive preparing the budget
Answer: a) The President issuing ordinances
15. The Administrative Procedure
Q29. Which of the following best describes the term “administrative procedure”?
a) The formal process of enacting laws
b) The process through which administrative bodies make and enforce regulations
c) The judicial process of settling disputes
d) The methods employed by the executive to make decisions in courts
Answer: b) The process through which administrative bodies make and enforce regulations
Q30. Administrative procedures are governed by:
a) The Constitution
b) Rules of Business and Administrative Tribunals
c) Fundamental Rights
d) Parliamentary laws only
Answer: b) Rules of Business and Administrative Tribunals
16. Constitutional Aspects of Administrative Law
Q31. The Constitution of India provides for the establishment of administrative tribunals under:
a) Article 323A
b) Article 51A
c) Article 226
d) Article 356
Answer: a) Article 323A
Q32. Which of the following is true about the scope of judicial review under the Indian Constitution?
a) It applies only to legislative actions
b) It is available for administrative decisions affecting individual rights
c) It is restricted to cases of violation of fundamental rights
d) It is exercised exclusively by the Parliament
Answer: b) It is available for administrative decisions affecting individual rights
17. Control Mechanisms in Administrative Law
Q33. Which of the following is an internal control mechanism for ensuring accountability in administrative law?
a) Judicial review
b) Ombudsman
c) Administrative tribunals
d) Internal audit
Answer: d) Internal audit
Q34. Which of the following is an example of external control over administrative agencies?
a) Cabinet orders
b) Financial regulations by the Comptroller and Auditor General
c) Ministerial decisions
d) Internal investigations
Answer: b) Financial regulations by the Comptroller and Auditor General
18. Freedom of Information
Q35. The Right to Information Act was enacted in India in:
a) 2002
b) 2005
c) 2010
d) 2012
Answer: b) 2005
Q36. Under the Right to Information Act, information can be sought from:
a) Only government ministries
b) Only public authorities
c) Only legislative bodies
d) Any private individual
Answer: b) Only public authorities
19. Control Over Public Administration
Q37. Which of the following is a method for controlling executive action in India?
a) Judicial review
b) Executive decrees
c) Presidential ordinances
d) Ministerial orders
Answer: a) Judicial review
Q38. The scope of judicial review in India includes:
a) Review of executive orders
b) Review of legislative procedures
c) Review of constitutional amendments
d) Review of judicial decisions only
Answer: a) Review of executive orders
20. Administrative Law and Public Policy
Q39. Administrative law in the context of public policy relates to:
a) Laws regarding public elections
b) Administrative bodies’ authority to shape policies
c) The judiciary’s control over the executive
d) Judicial review of legislative actions
Answer: b) Administrative bodies’ authority to shape policies
Q40. Public policy refers to:
a) Policies made by the legislature only
b) Government decisions that affect the welfare of the public
c) Judicial decisions in the public interest
d) Laws passed by local bodies
Answer: b) Government decisions that affect the welfare of the public
21. Administrative Tribunals
Q41. Administrative tribunals are established under which Article of the Indian Constitution?
a) Article 323A
b) Article 323B
c) Article 12
d) Article 36
Answer: a) Article 323A
Q42. What is the primary purpose of administrative tribunals?
a) To provide judicial review
b) To handle matters related to administrative decisions and disputes
c) To create laws
d) To regulate elections
Answer: b) To handle matters related to administrative decisions and disputes
22. Delegated Legislation
Q43. Which of the following is an example of delegated legislation?
a) Acts of Parliament
b) Rules made by the executive under a legislative act
c) Judicial decisions
d) Orders of the Supreme Court
Answer: b) Rules made by the executive under a legislative act
Q44. Delegated legislation is also known as:
a) Subordinate legislation
b) Parliamentary law
c) Fundamental legislation
d) Constitutional law
Answer: a) Subordinate legislation
23. Excessive Delegation
Q45. Excessive delegation refers to:
a) Delegating power beyond what is specified by the parent legislation
b) Delegating powers to judicial bodies
c) The enactment of laws by the legislature
d) Delegating executive functions to public authorities
Answer: a) Delegating power beyond what is specified by the parent legislation
Q46. Which of the following is the principle that prevents excessive delegation?
a) Delegated powers must be exercised according to legislative intent
b) Executive orders have unlimited power
c) All powers should be vested in the Parliament
d) Delegation is only allowed for judicial functions
Answer: a) Delegated powers must be exercised according to legislative intent
24. Judicial Review of Administrative Action
Q47. The doctrine of “Judicial Review” is applied in administrative law primarily to:
a) Make laws
b) Review the constitutionality of administrative actions
c) Examine the social impact of laws
d) Review legislative actions only
Answer: b) Review the constitutionality of administrative actions
Q48. Which writ can be used by the judiciary to examine the legality of a decision or order made by an administrative authority?
a) Habeas Corpus
b) Certiorari
c) Quo Warranto
d) Mandamus
Answer: b) Certiorari
25. Right to Information
Q49. The Right to Information Act, 2005, ensures:
a) A citizen’s right to be informed about matters of governance
b) The protection of government secrets
c) The right of the government to withhold all information
d) A citizen’s right to demand government funding
Answer: a) A citizen’s right to be informed about matters of governance
Q50. Which of the following is excluded from the purview of the Right to Information Act, 2005?
a) Documents related to corruption
b) Documents related to national security
c) Documents related to public works
d) Documents related to personal information of public servants
Answer: b) Documents related to national security
26. Principles of Natural Justice
Q51. The principle of “Audi Alteram Partem” is based on:
a) Right to a fair hearing
b) Right to privacy
c) Right to judicial review
d) Right to property
Answer: a) Right to a fair hearing
Q52. “Nemo Judex in Causa Sua” means:
a) No one can be a judge in his own case
b) No one can be punished without trial
c) No one can refuse to follow the law
d) No one can change the law
Answer: a) No one can be a judge in his own case
27. Judicial Activism in Administrative Law
Q53. Judicial activism in India refers to:
a) The expansion of judicial power beyond what is prescribed by the Constitution
b) Judicial review of administrative actions and executive decisions
c) Judicial restraint in interfering with legislative matters
d) The judiciary only interpreting laws without change
Answer: b) Judicial review of administrative actions and executive decisions
Q54. In which of the following cases did the Supreme Court of India first apply the principle of judicial activism to protect fundamental rights?
a) Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
b) Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
c) Vishakha v. State of Rajasthan
d) Golaknath v. State of Punjab
Answer: b) Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India
28. Discretionary Powers in Administrative Law
Q55. The discretionary powers of administrative authorities are based on:
a) Legislative authorization
b) Judicial order
c) Administrative convenience
d) Legislative delegation
Answer: a) Legislative authorization
Q56. Which of the following is a limitation on the discretionary powers of administrative authorities?
a) They must act in accordance with the law
b) They must use powers arbitrarily
c) They may ignore public welfare considerations
d) They can exercise powers without public accountability
Answer: a) They must act in accordance with the law
29. Doctrine of Public Accountability
Q57. The doctrine of public accountability in administrative law means that:
a) Public authorities are accountable only to the executive
b) Public authorities must justify their actions to the public
c) Public authorities are immune from scrutiny
d) Public authorities are answerable only to legislative bodies
Answer: b) Public authorities must justify their actions to the public
Q58. Which of the following institutions ensures the public accountability of administrative authorities?
a) Election Commission
b) Lokpal and Lokayukta
c) Legislative Assemblies
d) Supreme Court
Answer: b) Lokpal and Lokayukta
30. Constitutional Provisions for Administrative Law
Q59. The concept of “Rule of Law” in administrative law is best described by:
a) Everyone is subject to the law, including lawmakers
b) The judiciary should be the final authority in all matters
c) Executive powers can only be exercised by the president
d) The Parliament has absolute power
Answer: a) Everyone is subject to the law, including lawmakers
Q60. Under which Article of the Indian Constitution is the President authorized to promulgate ordinances during times of emergency?
a) Article 123
b) Article 324
c) Article 19
d) Article 32
Answer: a) Article 123
31. Liability of Public Authorities
Q61. Under the principle of vicarious liability, who is generally held responsible for the acts of public servants?
a) The individual public servant
b) The head of the public body
c) The government or public authority
d) The legislature
Answer: c) The government or public authority
Q62. In which case did the Supreme Court of India establish the principle of “no liability” for public authorities acting within their statutory duties?
a) M.C. Mehta v. Union of India
b) State of Rajasthan v. Vidyadhar
c) Union of India v. R.C. Sharma
d) State of Orissa v. Sudhansu Sekhar Misra
Answer: a) M.C. Mehta v. Union of India
32. Concept of Public Law
Q63. Public law refers to the area of law that:
a) Regulates the relationship between private individuals
b) Deals with issues of government and its relationship with individuals
c) Is concerned with matters of contract
d) Manages the legal rights of the citizens with private bodies
Answer: b) Deals with issues of government and its relationship with individuals
Q64. Which of the following is NOT an area of public law?
a) Constitutional law
b) Administrative law
c) Criminal law
d) Family law
Answer: d) Family law
33. Executive Actions and Powers
Q65. The powers of the executive in India are largely derived from:
a) Judicial decisions
b) Legislative enactments
c) Executive orders
d) The Constitution of India
Answer: d) The Constitution of India
Q66. In administrative law, the executive is responsible for implementing:
a) Only judicial decisions
b) The laws passed by the legislature
c) Directing military operations
d) Only the constitutional amendments
Answer: b) The laws passed by the legislature
34. Doctrine of Separation of Powers
Q67. The doctrine of separation of powers is intended to:
a) Concentrate all powers in the hands of the executive
b) Prevent the judiciary from interfering with administrative matters
c) Divide powers between the legislature, executive, and judiciary
d) Abolish all checks on executive powers
Answer: c) Divide powers between the legislature, executive, and judiciary
Q68. Which of the following countries influenced the development of the separation of powers doctrine in administrative law?
a) India
b) United Kingdom
c) United States
d) Canada
Answer: c) United States
35. Administrative Law in Action
Q69. Which of the following is an example of administrative action?
a) Enacting a law by the Parliament
b) Passing a bill by the legislature
c) Issuing an executive order by the President
d) Issuing a judgment by the court
Answer: c) Issuing an executive order by the President
Q70. Administrative actions can be subject to:
a) Judicial review
b) Legislative enactment
c) Executive veto
d) Public referendum
Answer: a) Judicial review
36. Precedents and Case Laws in Administrative Law
Q71. In the case of R.K. Garg v. Union of India, the Supreme Court held that:
a) Delegated legislation is unconstitutional
b) Only Parliament can make laws
c) Delegated legislation is valid as long as it is within the legislative framework
d) The judiciary cannot review executive orders
Answer: c) Delegated legislation is valid as long as it is within the legislative framework
Q72. In the case of State of Uttar Pradesh v. Jai Bir Singh, the court held that:
a) Administrative bodies can act arbitrarily
b) Administrative discretion should be exercised according to the law
c) Judicial review of administrative decisions is prohibited
d) The executive has unlimited powers
Answer: b) Administrative discretion should be exercised according to the law
37. Public Interest Litigation (PIL)
Q73. Public Interest Litigation (PIL) can be filed:
a) Only by a government body
b) By any individual who is affected by the issue
c) Only by the judiciary
d) Only by public authorities
Answer: b) By any individual who is affected by the issue
Q74. The Supreme Court of India allowed PILs to promote:
a) Administrative transparency
b) Public welfare and fundamental rights
c) Private contracts
d) Family matters
Answer: b) Public welfare and fundamental rights
38. Judicial Control Over Administrative Action
Q75. The judicial control over administrative action in India includes:
a) No control over executive actions
b) The ability to strike down unconstitutional actions
c) The legislative body controlling administrative actions
d) The executive body appointing judges
Answer: b) The ability to strike down unconstitutional actions
Q76. The court can use which of the following to exercise judicial review over administrative actions?
a) Writs
b) Executive orders
c) Laws passed by the legislature
d) Regulations made by the government
Answer: a) Writs
39. Liability of Administrative Authorities
Q77. Under administrative law, public authorities are generally liable for:
a) Their actions in good faith
b) Their actions during emergencies only
c) The negligence of their employees in the discharge of duties
d) All their actions regardless of the circumstances
Answer: c) The negligence of their employees in the discharge of duties
Q78. Which of the following acts as a shield against claims for damages against administrative bodies?
a) Sovereign immunity
b) Public interest immunity
c) Ministerial discretion
d) Judicial immunity
Answer: a) Sovereign immunity
40. Review of Executive Powers
Q79. Administrative agencies may be required to submit their decisions for judicial review to:
a) The Parliament
b) The Supreme Court
c) The Executive
d) The Legislature
Answer: b) The Supreme Court
Q80. The scope of judicial review in administrative law is limited to:
a) The merits of the decision
b) The process followed to make the decision
c) The political ramifications of the decision
d) Whether the executive has the right to make decisions
Answer: b) The process followed to make the decision
41. Role of Regulatory Authorities
Q81. Regulatory authorities, such as TRAI and SEBI, function under the framework of:
a) Government mandates
b) Administrative orders
c) Parliamentary Acts
d) Judicial interpretations
Answer: c) Parliamentary Acts
Q82. The primary role of regulatory authorities is to:
a) Enforce criminal laws
b) Regulate activities within their designated fields
c) Create new laws
d) Represent the government in courts
Answer: b) Regulate activities within their designated fields
42. Separation of Powers and Administrative Law
Q83. The separation of powers doctrine in administrative law aims to:
a) Prevent the executive from overstepping its boundaries
b) Give unlimited power to the judiciary
c) Centralize all decision-making power in the legislature
d) Allow executive orders without judicial intervention
Answer: a) Prevent the executive from overstepping its boundaries
Q84. Which of the following best illustrates the doctrine of separation of powers in the context of administrative law?
a) Executive carrying out laws passed by the legislature
b) Parliament making laws without judicial review
c) Judiciary intervening in executive and legislative matters
d) Executive issuing laws directly
Answer: a) Executive carrying out laws passed by the legislature
43. Discretionary Powers and its Limitations
Q85. Discretionary powers granted to administrative authorities must be exercised:
a) Arbitrarily
b) In accordance with established procedures
c) Only during emergencies
d) Based on personal preferences of the decision-maker
Answer: b) In accordance with established procedures
Q86. Which of the following is the main limitation on the use of discretionary powers by administrative authorities?
a) They must comply with the rule of law
b) They can only be exercised by the highest authority
c) They can be exercised without any judicial review
d) They can be exercised only during non-working hours
Answer: a) They must comply with the rule of law
44. Role of the Administrative Tribunal
Q87. Administrative tribunals are set up to:
a) Review laws passed by the legislature
b) Hear appeals against judicial decisions
c) Resolve disputes between citizens and administrative agencies
d) Make laws related to governance
Answer: c) Resolve disputes between citizens and administrative agencies
Q88. The decision of an administrative tribunal can be appealed to:
a) The Supreme Court
b) The High Court
c) The District Court
d) The Parliament
Answer: b) The High Court
45. Doctrine of Legitimate Expectation
Q89. The doctrine of legitimate expectation holds that:
a) The government must fulfill its promises made to individuals
b) The executive can change the laws at any time
c) The judiciary cannot review government actions
d) The government is not accountable to the public
Answer: a) The government must fulfill its promises made to individuals
Q90. Legitimate expectation is relevant when there is:
a) A clear promise or established practice
b) A temporary suspension of laws
c) A political declaration
d) None of the above
Answer: a) A clear promise or established practice
46. Judicial Review of Administrative Decisions
Q91. Judicial review of administrative decisions can be done on the grounds of:
a) Illegality
b) Procedural irregularity
c) Unreasonableness
d) All of the above
Answer: d) All of the above