Q.1 What is the primary function of administrative law?
To regulate criminal activities
To manage private contracts
To control and supervise government agencies
To determine inheritance rights
Explanation - Administrative law governs the activities of government agencies, ensuring they act within their legal powers and follow proper procedures.
Correct answer is: To control and supervise government agencies
Q.2 Which of the following is an example of a quasi-legislative power of administrative agencies?
Issuing binding rules and regulations
Conducting criminal trials
Amending the Constitution
Enforcing private contracts
Explanation - Administrative agencies often have the power to make rules that have the force of law, which is known as quasi-legislative power.
Correct answer is: Issuing binding rules and regulations
Q.3 What principle ensures that administrative decisions are made fairly and according to the law?
Rule of Law
Separation of Powers
Natural Justice
Doctrine of Ultra Vires
Explanation - Natural justice requires fair procedures, the right to be heard, and unbiased decision-making in administrative processes.
Correct answer is: Natural Justice
Q.4 Which writ is used to challenge illegal detention by a government authority?
Habeas Corpus
Mandamus
Prohibition
Certiorari
Explanation - Habeas Corpus is a writ that protects individual freedom by challenging unlawful detention or imprisonment.
Correct answer is: Habeas Corpus
Q.5 The doctrine of 'Ultra Vires' in administrative law refers to:
Acts performed beyond legal authority
Acts performed with proper authority
Acts of private individuals
Acts exempt from judicial review
Explanation - Ultra Vires means that any action taken beyond the powers granted by law is invalid and can be challenged in court.
Correct answer is: Acts performed beyond legal authority
Q.6 Which body typically hears appeals against decisions of administrative agencies?
Legislature
Judiciary
Executive Council
Public Service Commission
Explanation - Courts review the legality of administrative decisions to ensure they comply with law and do not exceed powers.
Correct answer is: Judiciary
Q.7 Delegated legislation is primarily created by:
Parliament directly
Administrative agencies or authorities
Supreme Court
Election Commission
Explanation - Delegated legislation allows administrative authorities to make rules and regulations under powers granted by the legislature.
Correct answer is: Administrative agencies or authorities
Q.8 What is the key difference between administrative law and constitutional law?
Administrative law governs agencies; constitutional law governs the constitution
Administrative law applies only to citizens; constitutional law applies only to governments
There is no difference
Administrative law deals with international law; constitutional law is local
Explanation - Administrative law focuses on the functioning of government agencies, while constitutional law establishes the framework and powers of government.
Correct answer is: Administrative law governs agencies; constitutional law governs the constitution
Q.9 Which of the following is NOT a function of administrative agencies?
Legislation
Adjudication
Enforcement
Appealing constitutional amendments
Explanation - Administrative agencies do not have the power to amend or appeal constitutional provisions; their role is limited to rules, enforcement, and adjudication.
Correct answer is: Appealing constitutional amendments
Q.10 Judicial review of administrative action ensures:
Absolute power of agencies
Compliance with law and prevention of abuse
Agencies can create new laws
Citizens cannot challenge government
Explanation - Judicial review allows courts to check that administrative authorities act within legal limits and do not misuse their powers.
Correct answer is: Compliance with law and prevention of abuse
Q.11 The principle of 'Reasoned Decision' in administrative law requires that:
All administrative decisions must include reasons
Decisions are kept secret
Decisions are immediate without explanation
Judicial review is prohibited
Explanation - Providing reasons ensures transparency and accountability, allowing affected individuals to understand and challenge decisions if necessary.
Correct answer is: All administrative decisions must include reasons
Q.12 The term 'sub-delegation' refers to:
An agency delegating its powers to another authority
Courts delegating powers to agencies
Citizens delegating responsibilities to government
Legislature delegating law-making to judiciary
Explanation - Sub-delegation occurs when an administrative agency passes on powers to a subordinate or another entity, which is generally limited by law.
Correct answer is: An agency delegating its powers to another authority
Q.13 Which writ orders a public authority to perform its duty?
Mandamus
Prohibition
Certiorari
Habeas Corpus
Explanation - Mandamus is issued by courts to compel public officials or agencies to perform a duty they are legally obligated to fulfill.
Correct answer is: Mandamus
Q.14 Prohibition as a writ is issued to:
Prevent a lower court or authority from exceeding its jurisdiction
Release a person from detention
Direct government to act
Correct errors of administrative orders
Explanation - Prohibition restrains authorities from acting beyond their powers and prevents legal overreach.
Correct answer is: Prevent a lower court or authority from exceeding its jurisdiction
Q.15 Certiorari is issued by higher courts to:
Quash decisions of lower courts or authorities
Enforce laws
Amend statutory provisions
Delegate powers
Explanation - Certiorari allows higher courts to review and annul unlawful or unjust decisions made by lower authorities or tribunals.
Correct answer is: Quash decisions of lower courts or authorities
Q.16 Administrative tribunals are primarily established to:
Resolve specialized disputes efficiently
Legislate new laws
Amend constitutional provisions
Punish criminal offenses
Explanation - Tribunals handle specific administrative matters like tax, labor, or regulatory issues, reducing the burden on regular courts.
Correct answer is: Resolve specialized disputes efficiently
Q.17 Which of the following is an example of procedural fairness in administrative law?
Right to be heard before adverse action
Immediate enforcement without notice
Secrecy in decision-making
Absolute discretion without explanation
Explanation - Procedural fairness requires agencies to give affected parties notice and an opportunity to present their case before taking action.
Correct answer is: Right to be heard before adverse action
Q.18 The term 'delegated legislation' is also called:
Subordinate legislation
Primary legislation
Judicial precedent
Common law
Explanation - Delegated or subordinate legislation refers to rules made by authorities under powers delegated by the legislature.
Correct answer is: Subordinate legislation
Q.19 Which act ensures accountability of administrative authorities to prevent misuse of power?
Administrative Procedure Act
Criminal Procedure Code
Civil Procedure Code
Evidence Act
Explanation - The Administrative Procedure Act and similar laws lay down procedures for fair decision-making and ensure accountability of agencies.
Correct answer is: Administrative Procedure Act
Q.20 Which of the following is a limitation on administrative discretion?
Ultra Vires doctrine
Absolute discretion
Delegation to private parties
Issuing punishments arbitrarily
Explanation - Administrative discretion is limited by law; any action beyond legal authority (ultra vires) can be invalidated by courts.
Correct answer is: Ultra Vires doctrine
Q.21 The principle of 'Proportionality' in administrative law requires that:
Government action should not exceed what is necessary to achieve the objective
All actions must be delayed
Agencies have unlimited power
Decisions must be secret
Explanation - Proportionality ensures that administrative actions are balanced and do not impose unnecessary restrictions on rights.
Correct answer is: Government action should not exceed what is necessary to achieve the objective
Q.22 Judicial intervention in administrative law is based on:
Ensuring legality and fairness
Replacing administrative discretion with judicial power
Preventing all government action
Amending statutes directly
Explanation - Courts intervene to ensure administrative actions are lawful, reasonable, and do not violate principles of natural justice.
Correct answer is: Ensuring legality and fairness
Q.23 The 'Right to Information' Act affects administrative law by:
Increasing transparency in government actions
Allowing agencies to act secretly
Reducing accountability
Eliminating judicial review
Explanation - The RTI Act allows citizens to access information about administrative actions, promoting accountability and transparency.
Correct answer is: Increasing transparency in government actions
Q.24 Which of the following is a key feature of administrative law?
Regulates government agencies and officials
Governs private commercial contracts
Focuses only on criminal liability
Creates international treaties
Explanation - Administrative law ensures that governmental actions are lawful, reasonable, and follow proper procedures.
Correct answer is: Regulates government agencies and officials