Comparative Public Law MCQ Quiz - Objective Question with Answer for Comparative Public Law - Download Free PDF

Last updated on May 23, 2025

Latest Comparative Public Law MCQ Objective Questions

Comparative Public Law Question 1:

In Bennette Coleman v. Union of India (AIR 1973 SC 60), the Supreme Court of India ruled that the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) includes:

  1. Right to assemble peacefully
  2. Right to information
  3. Right to property
  4. Right to education

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Right to information

Comparative Public Law Question 1 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is 'Right to information'

Key Points

  • Right to information under Article 19(1)(a):
    • In Bennette Coleman v. Union of India (AIR 1973 SC 60), the Supreme Court of India interpreted the right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) to include the right to information.
    • The Court held that the freedom of the press is essential for the proper functioning of democracy, as it enables citizens to access information and participate in public discourse.
    • The right to information empowers individuals to seek, receive, and impart information, which is a fundamental aspect of the freedom of speech and expression.
    • Through this landmark judgment, the Court emphasized that restrictions on access to information infringe upon the freedom of speech and expression guaranteed by the Constitution.

Additional Information

  • Option 1 - Right to assemble peacefully:
    • The right to assemble peacefully is guaranteed under Article 19(1)(b) of the Constitution, not Article 19(1)(a).
    • While it is a fundamental right, it pertains to public gatherings and protests, rather than the freedom of speech and expression.
  • Option 3 - Right to property:
    • The right to property was originally a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(f), but it was removed by the 44th Amendment Act of 1978 and is now a constitutional right under Article 300A.
    • It is unrelated to the freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a).
  • Option 4 - Right to education:
    • The right to education is a fundamental right under Article 21A, not Article 19(1)(a).
    • It guarantees free and compulsory education to children aged 6 to 14 years but does not pertain to the freedom of speech and expression.

Comparative Public Law Question 2:

The Bennette Coleman case is significant because it:

  1. Limited freedom of speech to non-political subjects
  2. Expanded the scope of Article 19(1)(a) to cover access to information
  3. Overruled previous judgments on freedom of speech
  4. Restricted media reporting rights

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Expanded the scope of Article 19(1)(a) to cover access to information

Comparative Public Law Question 2 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is 'Expanded the scope of Article 19(1)(a) to cover access to information'

Key Points

  • The Bennette Coleman Case:
    • The Bennette Coleman case, also known as the Bennett Coleman & Co. v. Union of India (1973), is a landmark judgment in Indian constitutional law.
    • The case dealt with the government imposing restrictions on the import of newsprint, which directly affected the newspaper industry, including Bennett Coleman & Co., the publisher of The Times of India.
    • The Supreme Court ruled that freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a) of the Indian Constitution includes not only the right to express opinions but also the right to access information.
    • This expanded the scope of Article 19(1)(a), recognizing that restricting access to information indirectly curtails freedom of speech and expression.
  • Significance of the Judgment:
    • The judgment emphasized that freedom of the press is a fundamental right derived from the right to freedom of speech and expression.
    • It established that imposing excessive restrictions on newsprint indirectly limits the dissemination of information, which is vital to maintaining democratic accountability.
    • The case reinforced the idea that freedom of speech is not just about the ability to speak but also about ensuring citizens have access to diverse sources of information.

Additional Information

  • Why Other Options Are Incorrect:
    • Option 1 - Limited freedom of speech to non-political subjects: The Bennette Coleman case did not limit freedom of speech; rather, it expanded its scope to include access to information. The judgment was aimed at protecting press freedom, which inherently includes political speech.
    • Option 3 - Overruled previous judgments on freedom of speech: The case did not overrule any major previous judgment on freedom of speech. Instead, it built upon the existing interpretation of Article 19(1)(a) to clarify its scope.
    • Option 4 - Restricted media reporting rights: On the contrary, the judgment upheld and strengthened the rights of the media by invalidating government restrictions on newsprint, which were seen as an indirect way to control the press.
  • Broader Implications of the Case:
    • The case set a strong precedent for protecting press freedom against indirect government controls.
    • It highlighted the critical role of the judiciary in safeguarding democratic principles, particularly the right to free speech and access to information.

Comparative Public Law Question 3:

Under the Indian RTI Act, what is the maximum time within which the Public Information Officer must provide the requested information?

  1. 7 days
  2. 15 days
  3. 30 days
  4. 60 days

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : 30 days

Comparative Public Law Question 3 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is ‘30 days’.

Key Points

  • Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005:
    • The RTI Act was enacted in India to promote transparency and accountability in the working of public authorities.
    • Under this Act, any citizen can request information from a public authority, which is obliged to reply expeditiously.
  • Maximum Time Limit for Providing Information:
    • The Public Information Officer (PIO) must provide the requested information within 30 days from the date of receipt of the application.
    • If the information concerns the life or liberty of a person, the PIO must provide it within 48 hours.
  • Failure to Provide Information:
    • If the PIO fails to provide the requested information within the stipulated time, it is considered a deemed refusal, and the applicant can file an appeal.

Additional Information

  • Incorrect Options:
    • 7 days: This is incorrect, as the RTI Act does not specify 7 days as the time limit for providing information.
    • 15 days: This is incorrect, as the RTI Act stipulates 30 days as the standard time frame, except in cases involving the life or liberty of a person.
    • 60 days: This is incorrect, as 60 days exceeds the time allowed under the RTI Act. However, additional time may be allowed in special cases for third-party information or appeals.
  • Appeals and Penalties:
    • If the PIO fails to comply with the time limits or provides incorrect/incomplete information, the applicant can file a first appeal with the Appellate Authority within 30 days.
    • A second appeal can be filed with the Information Commission if the applicant is not satisfied with the first appeal decision.
    • The PIO may face penalties, including a fine of ₹250 per day of delay, up to a maximum of ₹25,000.

Comparative Public Law Question 4:

When was the Right to Information Act enacted by the Indian Parliament?

  1. Year 1990
  2. Year 2002
  3. Year 2005
  4. Year 2009

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Year 2005

Comparative Public Law Question 4 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is 'Year 2005'

Key Points

  • Right to Information Act, 2005:
    • The Right to Information Act (RTI) was enacted by the Indian Parliament in 2005.
    • It came into full force on October 12, 2005, and it empowers Indian citizens to request information from public authorities to promote transparency and accountability in the working of the government.
    • The Act mandates timely response to citizen requests for government information, making it a key tool for combating corruption and ensuring good governance.
    • Under this Act, public authorities are required to computerize their records for wide dissemination and proactively publish certain categories of information so that citizens need minimal effort to obtain information.
    • The RTI Act also established the Central Information Commission (CIC) and State Information Commissions (SICs) to address appeals and complaints arising under the Act.

Additional Information

  • Option 1: Year 1990:
    • The Right to Information Act was not enacted in 1990. During this period, there was no legislation of this nature, although discussions regarding transparency in governance were gaining momentum globally.
    • This decade saw the beginning of advocacy for citizens' rights to access information, but it did not culminate in legislation until later.
  • Option 2: Year 2002:
    • In 2002, the Freedom of Information Act was passed in India, but it failed to achieve the desired impact due to its limited scope and poor implementation.
    • As a result, the RTI Act of 2005 was introduced to replace the Freedom of Information Act, providing a more robust framework for accessing government information.
  • Option 4: Year 2009:
    • The RTI Act was already in effect by 2009. However, this year saw increased public awareness and significant usage of the Act by citizens and activists to expose corruption and inefficiencies in the system.
    • No major new enactment related to RTI occurred in 2009, making this option incorrect.

Comparative Public Law Question 5:

Who initiated the RTI movement in Rajasthan, India?

  1. Aruna Roy
  2. S.P. Sathe
  3. Justice Chandrachud
  4. Ram Jawaya

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 1 : Aruna Roy

Comparative Public Law Question 5 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is 'Aruna Roy'

Key Points

  • Aruna Roy and the RTI Movement:
    • Aruna Roy is a renowned Indian social activist and a key figure behind the initiation of the Right to Information (RTI) movement in Rajasthan, India.
    • She co-founded the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS), a grassroots organization dedicated to empowering workers and peasants.
    • The RTI movement began as a tool to fight corruption and ensure transparency in governance, particularly in rural areas where citizens faced significant challenges in accessing information related to government schemes and expenditures.
    • MKSS organized public hearings, called "Jan Sunwais," where discrepancies in public spending and accountability were exposed, leading to the demand for a formal RTI law.
    • Her efforts played a pivotal role in the eventual enactment of the national RTI Act in 2005, which provides citizens the right to access information held by public authorities.

Additional Information

  • S.P. Sathe:
    • S.P. Sathe was a renowned legal scholar and professor, known for his work in constitutional law and public administration.
    • While he contributed significantly to legal studies and reforms, he was not associated with initiating the RTI movement in Rajasthan.
  • Justice Chandrachud:
    • Justice Chandrachud, as a prominent figure in the Indian judiciary, has contributed to landmark judgments and legal principles.
    • However, his contributions do not relate to the inception of the RTI movement in Rajasthan.
  • Ram Jawaya:
    • Ram Jawaya is often referenced in the context of the landmark case “Ram Jawaya Kapoor v. State of Punjab” related to the scope of executive power in India.
    • His name is unrelated to the RTI movement or its beginnings in Rajasthan.

Top Comparative Public Law MCQ Objective Questions

The Right to Information Act, 2005 came into force from ____.

  1. 12 September 2005
  2. 12 October 2005
  3. 12 December 2005
  4. 12 November 2005

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : 12 October 2005

Comparative Public Law Question 6 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is 12 October 2005

Key Points

  • 2005 was a momentous year for right to information in India because it saw the enactment of a national right to information law.
  • The Central Act was passed by the Indian Parliament on 12 May 2005 and received Presidential assent on 15 June 2005.
  • It came into force on 12 October 2005.

Additional Information

  • The Right to Information (RTI) is an act of the Parliament of India which sets out the rules and procedures regarding citizens' right to information.
  • It replaced the former Freedom of Information Act, 2002.
  • Under the provisions of RTI Act, any citizen of India may request information from a "public authority" (a body of Government or "instrumentality of State") which is required to reply expeditiously or within thirty days.
  • In case of matter involving a petitioner's life and liberty, the information has to be provided within 48 hours.
  • The Act also requires every public authority to computerize their records for wide dissemination and to proactively publish certain categories of information so that the citizens need minimum recourse to request for information formally.
  • The RTI Bill was passed by Parliament of India on 15 June 2005 and came into force with effect from 12 October 2005.
  • Every day on an average, over 4800 RTI applications are filed.
  • In the first ten years of the commencement of the act over 17,500,000 applications had been filed.

As per the provisions of the Right to Information Act, 2005, the State Chief Information Commissioner is appointed by the _______.

  1. Chief Minister of the state concerned
  2. Prime Minister of India
  3. President of India
  4. Governor of the stateconcerned

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : Governor of the stateconcerned

Comparative Public Law Question 7 Detailed Solution

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The Correct Answer is : Governor of the stateconcerned

Key Points

  • The Right to Information Act, 2005 (RTI Act) is a law established by the Parliament of India to provide a way for citizens of India to access information from the public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability in the functioning of the Government.
  • The RTI Act establishes a framework for setting up Information Commissions at both the Central and State level. The State Information Commission (SIC) is responsible for implementing the RTI Act at the state level.
  • The State Chief Information Commissioner is the head of the State Information Commission. The State Chief Information Commissioner's role is crucial in ensuring the effectiveness and proper functioning of the RTI Act at the state level.
  • According to Section 15 of the RTI Act 2005, the State Chief Information Commissioner is appointed by the Governor of the state.
  • The process of the appointment involves the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Chief Minister, who acts as the Chairperson, the Leader of Opposition in the Legislative Assembly, or if there is no such position in the state, then the leader of the single largest Opposition Party therein, and a Cabinet Minister nominated by the Chief Minister.
  • The State Chief Information Commissioner serves for a term of five years or until they reach the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier.
  • Despite being appointed by the Governor, the State Chief Information Commissioner works independently of the state's government machinery, maintaining autonomy to ensure the impartial implementation and enforcement of the RTI Act.

As per the RTI Act 2005, the Central Information Commission shall consist of the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and such number of Central Information Commissioners not exceeding ___________ as may be deemed necessary. 

  1. ten
  2. eight
  3. twelve
  4. fifteen

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : eight

Comparative Public Law Question 8 Detailed Solution

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The Correct Answer is : eight

Key Points

  • The Central Information Commission (CIC) was established in 2005 with the enactment of the RTI Act. The CIC is an autonomous body, and its role is to settle disputes related to the sharing and access of information.
  • As per Section 12(2) of the RTI Act, 2005, the Central Information Commission consists of the Chief Information Commissioner (CIC) and up to eight Information Commissioners. They are appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and a Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister.
  • The Chief Information Commissioner and Information Commissioners are appointed for a term of five years or until they reach the age of 65, whichever is earlier, as per Section 13(2) of the RTI Act 2005.
  • The role of the Central Information Commission also includes receiving and investigating complaints from individuals unable to submit RTI requests due to the non-appointment of Public Information Officers (PIOs), refusal by PIOs, non-response within the legal timeframe, or any other reasons leading to the prevention of access to information.
  • Apart from receiving and investigating complaints, CIC also conducts second appeals against decisions taken by first appellate authorities under the departments and ministries of the Central Government.
  • Central Information Commissioners are equivalently ranked with the Central Election Commissioners and have the same salary and allowances. The CIC is given the status of a Chief Election Commissioner. This is included to maintain the independence and autonomy of the CIC.

Who among the following acts as the Chairman of the Selection Committee of the Central Information Commissioner?

  1. Chief Justice of India
  2. Speaker of the Lok Sabha
  3. President of India
  4. Prime Minister

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 4 : Prime Minister

Comparative Public Law Question 9 Detailed Solution

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The Correct Answer is Prime Minister

Key Points

  • The Chairman of the Selection Committee of the Central Information Commission (CIC) is the Prime Minister of India.
  • As per the Right to Information Act, 2005, the Central Information Commissioner (CIC) is appointed by the President of India on the recommendation of a committee.
  • The selection committee for the CIC is chaired by the Prime Minister.
  • Other members of this committee include the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, or if there is no such leader, then the leader of the single largest opposition group in the Lok Sabha.
  • The Union Cabinet Minister nominated by the Prime Minister is also part of the committee.
  • The Committee's recommendation is crucial because it ensures a high degree of transparency and propriety in the selection process.
  • The role of the selection committee is to recommend suitable individuals for the role of CIC as well as Information Commissioners.
  • After the selection process conducted by the committee, selected candidates are formally appointed by the President of India.

The Information Technology Amendment Act carne into force in; 

  1. 2008
  2. 2009
  3. 2007
  4. 2010

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : 2009

Comparative Public Law Question 10 Detailed Solution

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The correct answer is option 2.Key Points

  •  The Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008 has been signed by the President of India on February 5, 2009.
  • The Information Technology (Amendment) Act, 2008 came into force on 27th October 2009.
  • A review of the amendments indicates that there are several provisions relating to data protection and privacy as well as provisions to curb terrorism using the electronic and digital medium that have been introduced into the new Act.
  • Some of the salient features of the Act are as follows:
    •  The term “digital signature” has been replaced with “electronic signature” to make the Act more technology neutral.
    • A new section has been inserted to define “communication device” to mean cell phones, personal digital assistance or combination of both or any other device used to communicate, send or transmit any text video, audio or image.
    • A new section has been added to define “cyber cafe as any facility from where the access to the internet is offered by any person in the ordinary course of business to the members of the public.
    • A new section 10A has been inserted to the effect that contracts concluded electronically shall not be deemed to be unenforceable solely on the ground that electronic form or means was used.

Comparative Public Law Question 11:

The procedure for the amendment of the Indian constitution is borrowed from which country?

  1. Canada
  2. South Africa
  3. Britain
  4. Australia

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : South Africa

Comparative Public Law Question 11 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is South Africa.

Key Points

  • The procedure for the amendment of the Indian constitution is borrowed from South Africa.
  • The procedure of amendment in the constitution is laid down in Part XX (Article 368) of the Constitution of India.

Additional Information

  • The procedure for the election of members of the Rajya Sabha is also borrowed from South Africa.

Comparative Public Law Question 12:

Diet is the name of 

  1. Canada's Parliament 
  2. Australia's Parliament 
  3. Japan's Parliament 
  4. None of the above

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : Japan's Parliament 

Comparative Public Law Question 12 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Diet.

Key Points

  • The Japanese legislature is known as the 'National Diet'.
  • Its members are directly elected by the people.
  • The capital of Japan is Tokyo, its official language is Japanese.

Additional Information

Country Parliament Name
Afghanistan National Assembly
Australia Parliament
Bangladesh Jatiya Sansad
Bhutan Tshogdu
Myanmar Assembly of Union
China National People's Congress
India Sansad
Indonesia People's Consultative Assembly
Iran Majlis
Iraq Majlis al-Niwab al-Iraqi
Israel Knesset
Italy Chamber of Deputies and Senate
Japan Diet
Kazakhstan Parliament
North Korea Supreme People's Assembly
South Korea National Assembly
Malaysia Parliament
Nepal Legislature-Parliament
Pakistan Majlis-e-Shora
Philippines Kongreso
Russia Federal Assembly (Duma)
Saudi Arabia Majlis ash-Shura
Singapore Parliament
Sri Lanka Sri Lankavay Parlimentuwa
Tajikistan Majlisi Oli
Thailand Ratthasapha
USA Congress

Comparative Public Law Question 13:

Statement: Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Rule of Law?

  1. Equality before the law
  2.  Impunity for the powerful
  3. Fair and transparent legal processes
  4. Accountability of government officials

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 :  Impunity for the powerful

Comparative Public Law Question 13 Detailed Solution

Key PointsOption 2: Impunity for the powerful
Explanation: The Rule of Law opposes impunity, especially for those in positions of power. It emphasizes accountability, fairness, and justice for all, regardless of their status or influence.

Comparative Public Law Question 14:

Which constitutional amendment introduced significant changes to India's federal structure by incorporating the concept of cooperative federalism?

  1. 42nd Amendment Act
  2. 73rd Amendment Act
  3. 101st Amendment Act
  4. 97th Amendment Act

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 3 : 101st Amendment Act

Comparative Public Law Question 14 Detailed Solution

The correct answer is Option 3.

Key Points

The 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016, introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India, which marked a significant shift in India's federal structure. It embodies the concept of cooperative federalism, as it required both the Centre and the States to work together for the implementation of GST, ensuring uniformity in the taxation structure across the country. The GST Council, constituted under this amendment, exemplifies cooperative federalism by providing a platform where both the Central and State Governments collaboratively make decisions regarding tax rates and policies.

Why not the other options?

  1. 42nd Amendment Act (1976):

    • Known as the "Mini Constitution," it significantly curtailed the powers of the States by strengthening the Central Government. It moved subjects from the State List to the Concurrent List, reducing federal flexibility.
  2. 73rd Amendment Act (1992):

    • This amendment established a three-tier Panchayati Raj system in rural areas, strengthening local governance but not directly altering the federal relationship between the Centre and the States.
  3. 97th Amendment Act (2011):

    • This amendment promoted the cooperative movement by recognizing cooperatives as a fundamental right and inserting provisions regarding their governance. However, it did not impact the broader federal structure.

Thus, the 101st Amendment Act stands out as a key example of cooperative federalism in India's constitutional framework.

Comparative Public Law Question 15:

Which federal model prioritizes asymmetrical federalism, where different states or provinces may have varying degrees of autonomy?

  1. USA
  2. Canada
  3. India
  4. None of the above

Answer (Detailed Solution Below)

Option 2 : Canada

Comparative Public Law Question 15 Detailed Solution

Key Points Answer: 2) Canada
Explanation: Canada is known for its asymmetrical federalism, where different provinces may have different levels of autonomy. This feature is not as pronounced in the federal models of the USA or India.
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