Ten MCQs on current International and national events - 161

PRERNA FOR IAS

(ASSOCIATE OF SAMKALP)

A-Category MCQs -161

1. With reference to the Supreme Court's recent order concerning student protesters, consider the following statements:

1. The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 to quash criminal cases against protesters booked during demonstrations over the NEET controversy.
2. Article 142 enables the Supreme Court to pass orders necessary for doing “complete justice”.
3. The Court treated participation in peaceful protest and independently established criminal conduct as identical.
4. The Court's approach sought to balance Article 19 freedoms with maintenance of public order.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (a)

Explanation: Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct. The Supreme Court used its extraordinary power under Article 142 to prevent peaceful student protesters from carrying criminal cases merely because they participated in demonstrations. However, it permitted proceedings where specific evidence of criminal conduct existed. Therefore, Statement 3 is incorrect. The underlying principle is proportionality: democratic dissent should not automatically be criminalised, while violence remains punishable. Elimination clue: Article 19 protects peaceful speech and assembly, not independently provable criminal acts. Article 142 enables the Supreme Court to secure complete justice in appropriate cases.

2. With reference to India's position on counter-terrorism at the SCO Summit, consider the following statements:

1. India called for action against terrorist financing and recruitment.
2. India emphasised the need to address radicalisation and safe havens.
3. India supports differentiating between “good” and “bad” terrorism according to geopolitical circumstances.
4. Intelligence-sharing and action against sponsors can form part of an ecosystem-based counter-terrorism strategy.

Which of the statements given above are correct?

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

Correct Answer: (b)