Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 128

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -128

1. With reference to the use of pellet guns during public protests, consider the following statements:

1. Their use must satisfy the principles of necessity and proportionality.
2. Their classification as “less lethal” removes the need for constitutional scrutiny.
3. The legality of the governing rule and misuse in a specific incident are separate questions.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Correct Answer: (b)

Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Even where police regulations permit pellet guns, their actual use must remain necessary, reasonable and proportionate to the threat faced. A weapon described as “less lethal” may still cause blindness, serious injury or death, especially when fired at close range. Courts may separately examine whether the regulation itself is constitutional and whether officials misused the weapon in a particular event. Statement 2 is therefore incorrect. Elimination clue: formal classification cannot override Article 21 or remove accountability for excessive force.

2. Online doxxing of women protesters is constitutionally significant because it may directly affect:

1. Privacy and personal security
2. Equality in public participation
3. Freedom of speech and peaceful assembly
4. The unrestricted right of platforms to publish personal data

Select the correct answer using the code below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 3 only
(c) 2, 3 and 4 only
(d) 1, 2, 3 and 4

Correct Answer: (b)