Page 1
Instruct Ions to c and Idates
d uration of t est : 2 h ours (120 minutes) Maximum Marks : 120
Quest Ion Booklet n o.
1. This Question Booklet (QB) contains 120
(One hundred and Twenty) Multiple Choice
Questions across 44 (Forty Four) pages
including 3 (Three) blank pages for rough
work. No additional sheet(s) of paper will be
supplied for rough work.
2. You have to answer ALL questions in the
separate carbonised Optical Mark Reader
(OMR) Response Sheet supplied along
with this QB. You must READ the detailed
instructions provided with the OMR
Response Sheet on the reverse side of this
packet BEFORE you start the test.
3. No clarification can be sought on the QB
from anyone. In case of any discrepancy
such as printing error or missing pages, in
the QB, request the Invigilator to replace the
QB and OMR Response Sheet. Do not use
the previous OMR Response Sheet with the
fresh QB.
4. You should write the QB Number, and the
OMR Response Sheet Number, and sign in
the space/column provided in the Attendance
Sheet.
5. The QB for the Post Graduate Programme is
for 120 marks. Every r ight answer secures
1 mark. Every Wrong answer results in the
deduction of 0.25 mark. There shall be no
deductions for Unanswered Questions.
6. You may retain the QB and the Candidate’s
copy of the OMR Response Sheet after the
test.
7. The use of any unfair means shall result in
your disqualification. Possession of Electronic
Devices such as mobile phones, headphones,
digital watches etc., is/are strictly prohibited
in the test premises. Impersonation or any
other unlawful practice will lead to your
disqualification and possibly, appropriate
action under the law.
*
*
do not o Pen t Ill 2 P.M.
PG 2025
1. n ame of c andidate :
2. a dmit c ard n umber :
Page 2
Instruct Ions to c and Idates
d uration of t est : 2 h ours (120 minutes) Maximum Marks : 120
Quest Ion Booklet n o.
1. This Question Booklet (QB) contains 120
(One hundred and Twenty) Multiple Choice
Questions across 44 (Forty Four) pages
including 3 (Three) blank pages for rough
work. No additional sheet(s) of paper will be
supplied for rough work.
2. You have to answer ALL questions in the
separate carbonised Optical Mark Reader
(OMR) Response Sheet supplied along
with this QB. You must READ the detailed
instructions provided with the OMR
Response Sheet on the reverse side of this
packet BEFORE you start the test.
3. No clarification can be sought on the QB
from anyone. In case of any discrepancy
such as printing error or missing pages, in
the QB, request the Invigilator to replace the
QB and OMR Response Sheet. Do not use
the previous OMR Response Sheet with the
fresh QB.
4. You should write the QB Number, and the
OMR Response Sheet Number, and sign in
the space/column provided in the Attendance
Sheet.
5. The QB for the Post Graduate Programme is
for 120 marks. Every r ight answer secures
1 mark. Every Wrong answer results in the
deduction of 0.25 mark. There shall be no
deductions for Unanswered Questions.
6. You may retain the QB and the Candidate’s
copy of the OMR Response Sheet after the
test.
7. The use of any unfair means shall result in
your disqualification. Possession of Electronic
Devices such as mobile phones, headphones,
digital watches etc., is/are strictly prohibited
in the test premises. Impersonation or any
other unlawful practice will lead to your
disqualification and possibly, appropriate
action under the law.
*
*
do not o Pen t Ill 2 P.M.
PG 2025
1. n ame of c andidate :
2. a dmit c ard n umber :
PG
I. Dominic Ongwen, a former commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda, was
convicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in February 2021. The case marked a
significant milestone in international criminal law, focusing on issues of child soldiering,
forced marriage, and sexual and gender-based violence. Ongwen was found guilty of 61
counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, torture, enslavement,
forced marriage, rape, and conscription of children under the age of 15 into armed groups.
The ICC’s judgment emphasized the importance of accountability for leaders who exploit
children in conflicts and commit sexual and gender-based crimes.
A critical aspect of the judgment was the consideration of Ongwen’s own history as a child
soldier. Ongwen was abducted by the LRA at around the age of nine and was forced to
commit atrocities as he rose through the ranks. The court balanced this background against
the gravity of his crimes, ultimately ruling that his personal history did not absolve him of
responsibility for his actions as an adult commander. The judgment is also notable for its
comprehensive approach to reparations for victims. The ICC ordered collective reparations,
including symbolic measures like memorials, physical and psychological rehabilitation,
and financial compensation to support the victims and their communities. This case
reinforces the ICC’s commitment to addressing serious international crimes, particularly
those involving vulnerable populations such as children and women and underscores the
principles of justice and reparation in international criminal law.
(This extract is taken from Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen (ICC, 2021))
1. Which principle of international criminal law ensures that individuals, regardless of
their position or rank, can be held accountable for committing serious international
crimes?
(A) Sovereign immunity (B) Command responsibility
(C) Diplomatic immunity (D) Universal jurisdiction
2. In the context of international criminal law, what does the principle of “individual
criminal responsibility” entail?
(A) Only states can be held accountable for international crimes
(B) Individuals can be held personally liable for committing war crimes, crimes against
humanity, and genocide
(C) Individuals are immune from prosecution if they act under state orders
(D) Only military personnel can be held responsible for international crimes
3. The concept of “crimes against humanity” includes which of the following acts, as
exemplified in the Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen case?
(A) Piracy and terrorism
(B) Enslavement, forced marriage, and sexual violence
(C) Espionage and sabotage
(D) Intellectual property theft
Page 3
Instruct Ions to c and Idates
d uration of t est : 2 h ours (120 minutes) Maximum Marks : 120
Quest Ion Booklet n o.
1. This Question Booklet (QB) contains 120
(One hundred and Twenty) Multiple Choice
Questions across 44 (Forty Four) pages
including 3 (Three) blank pages for rough
work. No additional sheet(s) of paper will be
supplied for rough work.
2. You have to answer ALL questions in the
separate carbonised Optical Mark Reader
(OMR) Response Sheet supplied along
with this QB. You must READ the detailed
instructions provided with the OMR
Response Sheet on the reverse side of this
packet BEFORE you start the test.
3. No clarification can be sought on the QB
from anyone. In case of any discrepancy
such as printing error or missing pages, in
the QB, request the Invigilator to replace the
QB and OMR Response Sheet. Do not use
the previous OMR Response Sheet with the
fresh QB.
4. You should write the QB Number, and the
OMR Response Sheet Number, and sign in
the space/column provided in the Attendance
Sheet.
5. The QB for the Post Graduate Programme is
for 120 marks. Every r ight answer secures
1 mark. Every Wrong answer results in the
deduction of 0.25 mark. There shall be no
deductions for Unanswered Questions.
6. You may retain the QB and the Candidate’s
copy of the OMR Response Sheet after the
test.
7. The use of any unfair means shall result in
your disqualification. Possession of Electronic
Devices such as mobile phones, headphones,
digital watches etc., is/are strictly prohibited
in the test premises. Impersonation or any
other unlawful practice will lead to your
disqualification and possibly, appropriate
action under the law.
*
*
do not o Pen t Ill 2 P.M.
PG 2025
1. n ame of c andidate :
2. a dmit c ard n umber :
PG
I. Dominic Ongwen, a former commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda, was
convicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in February 2021. The case marked a
significant milestone in international criminal law, focusing on issues of child soldiering,
forced marriage, and sexual and gender-based violence. Ongwen was found guilty of 61
counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, torture, enslavement,
forced marriage, rape, and conscription of children under the age of 15 into armed groups.
The ICC’s judgment emphasized the importance of accountability for leaders who exploit
children in conflicts and commit sexual and gender-based crimes.
A critical aspect of the judgment was the consideration of Ongwen’s own history as a child
soldier. Ongwen was abducted by the LRA at around the age of nine and was forced to
commit atrocities as he rose through the ranks. The court balanced this background against
the gravity of his crimes, ultimately ruling that his personal history did not absolve him of
responsibility for his actions as an adult commander. The judgment is also notable for its
comprehensive approach to reparations for victims. The ICC ordered collective reparations,
including symbolic measures like memorials, physical and psychological rehabilitation,
and financial compensation to support the victims and their communities. This case
reinforces the ICC’s commitment to addressing serious international crimes, particularly
those involving vulnerable populations such as children and women and underscores the
principles of justice and reparation in international criminal law.
(This extract is taken from Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen (ICC, 2021))
1. Which principle of international criminal law ensures that individuals, regardless of
their position or rank, can be held accountable for committing serious international
crimes?
(A) Sovereign immunity (B) Command responsibility
(C) Diplomatic immunity (D) Universal jurisdiction
2. In the context of international criminal law, what does the principle of “individual
criminal responsibility” entail?
(A) Only states can be held accountable for international crimes
(B) Individuals can be held personally liable for committing war crimes, crimes against
humanity, and genocide
(C) Individuals are immune from prosecution if they act under state orders
(D) Only military personnel can be held responsible for international crimes
3. The concept of “crimes against humanity” includes which of the following acts, as
exemplified in the Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen case?
(A) Piracy and terrorism
(B) Enslavement, forced marriage, and sexual violence
(C) Espionage and sabotage
(D) Intellectual property theft
PG
*
4. What is the significance of the principle of “complementarity” in the context of the
International Criminal Court (ICC)?
(A) The ICC can prosecute cases only when national jurisdictions are unwilling or
unable to do so
(B) The ICC has primary jurisdiction over all international crimes
(C) The ICC can only prosecute crimes committed within its member states
(D) The ICC shares jurisdiction equally with national courts
5. Which of the following statements best describes the significance of the Prosecutor v.
Dominic Ongwen case in the context of international criminal law?
(A) It was the first case to address environmental crimes in international conflicts
(B) It marked a milestone in addressing sexual and gender-based violence and the
exploitation of children in armed conflicts
(C) It was the first case to involve cybercrimes committed by international armed
groups
(D) It primarily focused on the financial aspects of running an armed group
II. The landmark judgment of Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board v. A. Rajappa
& Others, delivered by the Supreme Court of India in 1978, significantly influenced the
interpretation of the term ‘industry’ under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The case
cantered on whether the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, a statutory body,
could be classified as an industry under the Act, thereby making its employees eligible for
certain protections and benefits. Prior to this case, the definition of ‘industry’ had been
subject to varied interpretations, leading to confusion and inconsistency in its application.
The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, broadly defined ‘industry’ to include any business, trade,
undertaking, manufacture, or calling of employers and any calling, service, employment,
handicraft, or industrial occupation or avocation of workmen. However, this expansive
definition left room for ambiguity, especially concerning statutory bodies and non-profit
organizations. In this case, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board argued that
it was not an industry, emphasizing its statutory duties and public welfare objectives.
The Board contended that its primary purpose was to provide essential services, not
to engage in profit-making activities typical of private enterprises. On the other hand,
the respondents, including A. Rajappa, argued that the Board’s activities fell within the
scope of an industry as defined by the Act, and thus, its employees should be entitled to
the benefits and protections accorded to workers in industries. The Supreme Court, in its
judgment, undertook a comprehensive analysis of the term ‘industry.’ The bench, led by
Chief Justice M. Hameedullah Beg, laid down a broad and inclusive definition of ‘industry.’
The Court asserted that what mattered was the nature of the activity and the relationship
between the employer and the employees. This interpretation aimed to ensure that a wide
range of workers, including those employed in public utility services, statutory bodies,
and even some non-profit organizations, would be covered under the protective umbrella
of the Industrial Disputes Act. The decision in Bangalore Water Supply v. A. Rajappa
Page 4
Instruct Ions to c and Idates
d uration of t est : 2 h ours (120 minutes) Maximum Marks : 120
Quest Ion Booklet n o.
1. This Question Booklet (QB) contains 120
(One hundred and Twenty) Multiple Choice
Questions across 44 (Forty Four) pages
including 3 (Three) blank pages for rough
work. No additional sheet(s) of paper will be
supplied for rough work.
2. You have to answer ALL questions in the
separate carbonised Optical Mark Reader
(OMR) Response Sheet supplied along
with this QB. You must READ the detailed
instructions provided with the OMR
Response Sheet on the reverse side of this
packet BEFORE you start the test.
3. No clarification can be sought on the QB
from anyone. In case of any discrepancy
such as printing error or missing pages, in
the QB, request the Invigilator to replace the
QB and OMR Response Sheet. Do not use
the previous OMR Response Sheet with the
fresh QB.
4. You should write the QB Number, and the
OMR Response Sheet Number, and sign in
the space/column provided in the Attendance
Sheet.
5. The QB for the Post Graduate Programme is
for 120 marks. Every r ight answer secures
1 mark. Every Wrong answer results in the
deduction of 0.25 mark. There shall be no
deductions for Unanswered Questions.
6. You may retain the QB and the Candidate’s
copy of the OMR Response Sheet after the
test.
7. The use of any unfair means shall result in
your disqualification. Possession of Electronic
Devices such as mobile phones, headphones,
digital watches etc., is/are strictly prohibited
in the test premises. Impersonation or any
other unlawful practice will lead to your
disqualification and possibly, appropriate
action under the law.
*
*
do not o Pen t Ill 2 P.M.
PG 2025
1. n ame of c andidate :
2. a dmit c ard n umber :
PG
I. Dominic Ongwen, a former commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda, was
convicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in February 2021. The case marked a
significant milestone in international criminal law, focusing on issues of child soldiering,
forced marriage, and sexual and gender-based violence. Ongwen was found guilty of 61
counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, torture, enslavement,
forced marriage, rape, and conscription of children under the age of 15 into armed groups.
The ICC’s judgment emphasized the importance of accountability for leaders who exploit
children in conflicts and commit sexual and gender-based crimes.
A critical aspect of the judgment was the consideration of Ongwen’s own history as a child
soldier. Ongwen was abducted by the LRA at around the age of nine and was forced to
commit atrocities as he rose through the ranks. The court balanced this background against
the gravity of his crimes, ultimately ruling that his personal history did not absolve him of
responsibility for his actions as an adult commander. The judgment is also notable for its
comprehensive approach to reparations for victims. The ICC ordered collective reparations,
including symbolic measures like memorials, physical and psychological rehabilitation,
and financial compensation to support the victims and their communities. This case
reinforces the ICC’s commitment to addressing serious international crimes, particularly
those involving vulnerable populations such as children and women and underscores the
principles of justice and reparation in international criminal law.
(This extract is taken from Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen (ICC, 2021))
1. Which principle of international criminal law ensures that individuals, regardless of
their position or rank, can be held accountable for committing serious international
crimes?
(A) Sovereign immunity (B) Command responsibility
(C) Diplomatic immunity (D) Universal jurisdiction
2. In the context of international criminal law, what does the principle of “individual
criminal responsibility” entail?
(A) Only states can be held accountable for international crimes
(B) Individuals can be held personally liable for committing war crimes, crimes against
humanity, and genocide
(C) Individuals are immune from prosecution if they act under state orders
(D) Only military personnel can be held responsible for international crimes
3. The concept of “crimes against humanity” includes which of the following acts, as
exemplified in the Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen case?
(A) Piracy and terrorism
(B) Enslavement, forced marriage, and sexual violence
(C) Espionage and sabotage
(D) Intellectual property theft
PG
*
4. What is the significance of the principle of “complementarity” in the context of the
International Criminal Court (ICC)?
(A) The ICC can prosecute cases only when national jurisdictions are unwilling or
unable to do so
(B) The ICC has primary jurisdiction over all international crimes
(C) The ICC can only prosecute crimes committed within its member states
(D) The ICC shares jurisdiction equally with national courts
5. Which of the following statements best describes the significance of the Prosecutor v.
Dominic Ongwen case in the context of international criminal law?
(A) It was the first case to address environmental crimes in international conflicts
(B) It marked a milestone in addressing sexual and gender-based violence and the
exploitation of children in armed conflicts
(C) It was the first case to involve cybercrimes committed by international armed
groups
(D) It primarily focused on the financial aspects of running an armed group
II. The landmark judgment of Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board v. A. Rajappa
& Others, delivered by the Supreme Court of India in 1978, significantly influenced the
interpretation of the term ‘industry’ under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The case
cantered on whether the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, a statutory body,
could be classified as an industry under the Act, thereby making its employees eligible for
certain protections and benefits. Prior to this case, the definition of ‘industry’ had been
subject to varied interpretations, leading to confusion and inconsistency in its application.
The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, broadly defined ‘industry’ to include any business, trade,
undertaking, manufacture, or calling of employers and any calling, service, employment,
handicraft, or industrial occupation or avocation of workmen. However, this expansive
definition left room for ambiguity, especially concerning statutory bodies and non-profit
organizations. In this case, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board argued that
it was not an industry, emphasizing its statutory duties and public welfare objectives.
The Board contended that its primary purpose was to provide essential services, not
to engage in profit-making activities typical of private enterprises. On the other hand,
the respondents, including A. Rajappa, argued that the Board’s activities fell within the
scope of an industry as defined by the Act, and thus, its employees should be entitled to
the benefits and protections accorded to workers in industries. The Supreme Court, in its
judgment, undertook a comprehensive analysis of the term ‘industry.’ The bench, led by
Chief Justice M. Hameedullah Beg, laid down a broad and inclusive definition of ‘industry.’
The Court asserted that what mattered was the nature of the activity and the relationship
between the employer and the employees. This interpretation aimed to ensure that a wide
range of workers, including those employed in public utility services, statutory bodies,
and even some non-profit organizations, would be covered under the protective umbrella
of the Industrial Disputes Act. The decision in Bangalore Water Supply v. A. Rajappa
PG
*
& Others had far-reaching implications. It extended the scope of labour protections to a
broader spectrum of workers, ensuring that more employees could benefit from the dispute
resolution mechanisms and other safeguards provided under the Industrial Disputes Act.
This judgment underscored the judiciary’s role in interpreting labour laws to promote social
justice and protect workers’ rights in a rapidly industrializing nation.
(Extract from Bangalore Water Supply v. A. Rajappa & Others, 1978 2 SCC)
6. According to the Supreme Court’s judgment, what is the most important factor in
determining whether an activity constitutes an industry?
(A) The profit-making motive of the employer
(B) When there are multiple activities carried on by an establishment, its dominant
function has to be considered. If the dominant function is not commercial, benefits
of a workman of an industry under Industrial Dispute Act may be given
(C) The nature of the activity and the authority of the employer over its employees
(D) When there are multiple activities carried on by an establishment, all the activities
must be considered. Even if one activity is commercial, the employees will not get
the benefit of workman of an industry under the Industrial Dispute Act
7. Which of the following best describes the broader impact of the judgment?
(A) It reduced labour protections for workers
(B) It extended labour protections to a broader spectrum of workers
(C) It had no significant impact on labour laws
(D) It only affected private sector workers
8. Which of the following best describes the term ‘industry’ as defined by the Supreme
Court in this judgment?
(A) Any activity involving profit-making
(B) Any systematic activity organized by cooperation between an employer and
employees for producing or distributing goods and services
(C) Only activities conducted by private enterprises
(D) Activities limited to manufacturing sectors
9. In which of the following landmark judgement, the Supreme Court held that when an
association or society of apartment owners employs workers for personal services to its
members, those workers do not qualify as workmen under the Act and the association
is not an “Industry” under the Industrial Disputes Act?
(A) Som Vihar Apartment Owners’ Housing Maintenance Society Ltd. v. Workmen,
2009 SC
(B) Anand Vihar Apartment Owners’ Society Ltd. v. Workmen, 2024 SC
(C) Kanchanjunga Building Employees Union v. Kanchanjunga Flat Owners Society
& Anr., 2024 SC
(D) None of the above
Page 5
Instruct Ions to c and Idates
d uration of t est : 2 h ours (120 minutes) Maximum Marks : 120
Quest Ion Booklet n o.
1. This Question Booklet (QB) contains 120
(One hundred and Twenty) Multiple Choice
Questions across 44 (Forty Four) pages
including 3 (Three) blank pages for rough
work. No additional sheet(s) of paper will be
supplied for rough work.
2. You have to answer ALL questions in the
separate carbonised Optical Mark Reader
(OMR) Response Sheet supplied along
with this QB. You must READ the detailed
instructions provided with the OMR
Response Sheet on the reverse side of this
packet BEFORE you start the test.
3. No clarification can be sought on the QB
from anyone. In case of any discrepancy
such as printing error or missing pages, in
the QB, request the Invigilator to replace the
QB and OMR Response Sheet. Do not use
the previous OMR Response Sheet with the
fresh QB.
4. You should write the QB Number, and the
OMR Response Sheet Number, and sign in
the space/column provided in the Attendance
Sheet.
5. The QB for the Post Graduate Programme is
for 120 marks. Every r ight answer secures
1 mark. Every Wrong answer results in the
deduction of 0.25 mark. There shall be no
deductions for Unanswered Questions.
6. You may retain the QB and the Candidate’s
copy of the OMR Response Sheet after the
test.
7. The use of any unfair means shall result in
your disqualification. Possession of Electronic
Devices such as mobile phones, headphones,
digital watches etc., is/are strictly prohibited
in the test premises. Impersonation or any
other unlawful practice will lead to your
disqualification and possibly, appropriate
action under the law.
*
*
do not o Pen t Ill 2 P.M.
PG 2025
1. n ame of c andidate :
2. a dmit c ard n umber :
PG
I. Dominic Ongwen, a former commander of the Lord’s Resistance Army (LRA) in Uganda, was
convicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in February 2021. The case marked a
significant milestone in international criminal law, focusing on issues of child soldiering,
forced marriage, and sexual and gender-based violence. Ongwen was found guilty of 61
counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes, including murder, torture, enslavement,
forced marriage, rape, and conscription of children under the age of 15 into armed groups.
The ICC’s judgment emphasized the importance of accountability for leaders who exploit
children in conflicts and commit sexual and gender-based crimes.
A critical aspect of the judgment was the consideration of Ongwen’s own history as a child
soldier. Ongwen was abducted by the LRA at around the age of nine and was forced to
commit atrocities as he rose through the ranks. The court balanced this background against
the gravity of his crimes, ultimately ruling that his personal history did not absolve him of
responsibility for his actions as an adult commander. The judgment is also notable for its
comprehensive approach to reparations for victims. The ICC ordered collective reparations,
including symbolic measures like memorials, physical and psychological rehabilitation,
and financial compensation to support the victims and their communities. This case
reinforces the ICC’s commitment to addressing serious international crimes, particularly
those involving vulnerable populations such as children and women and underscores the
principles of justice and reparation in international criminal law.
(This extract is taken from Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen (ICC, 2021))
1. Which principle of international criminal law ensures that individuals, regardless of
their position or rank, can be held accountable for committing serious international
crimes?
(A) Sovereign immunity (B) Command responsibility
(C) Diplomatic immunity (D) Universal jurisdiction
2. In the context of international criminal law, what does the principle of “individual
criminal responsibility” entail?
(A) Only states can be held accountable for international crimes
(B) Individuals can be held personally liable for committing war crimes, crimes against
humanity, and genocide
(C) Individuals are immune from prosecution if they act under state orders
(D) Only military personnel can be held responsible for international crimes
3. The concept of “crimes against humanity” includes which of the following acts, as
exemplified in the Prosecutor v. Dominic Ongwen case?
(A) Piracy and terrorism
(B) Enslavement, forced marriage, and sexual violence
(C) Espionage and sabotage
(D) Intellectual property theft
PG
*
4. What is the significance of the principle of “complementarity” in the context of the
International Criminal Court (ICC)?
(A) The ICC can prosecute cases only when national jurisdictions are unwilling or
unable to do so
(B) The ICC has primary jurisdiction over all international crimes
(C) The ICC can only prosecute crimes committed within its member states
(D) The ICC shares jurisdiction equally with national courts
5. Which of the following statements best describes the significance of the Prosecutor v.
Dominic Ongwen case in the context of international criminal law?
(A) It was the first case to address environmental crimes in international conflicts
(B) It marked a milestone in addressing sexual and gender-based violence and the
exploitation of children in armed conflicts
(C) It was the first case to involve cybercrimes committed by international armed
groups
(D) It primarily focused on the financial aspects of running an armed group
II. The landmark judgment of Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board v. A. Rajappa
& Others, delivered by the Supreme Court of India in 1978, significantly influenced the
interpretation of the term ‘industry’ under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. The case
cantered on whether the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board, a statutory body,
could be classified as an industry under the Act, thereby making its employees eligible for
certain protections and benefits. Prior to this case, the definition of ‘industry’ had been
subject to varied interpretations, leading to confusion and inconsistency in its application.
The Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, broadly defined ‘industry’ to include any business, trade,
undertaking, manufacture, or calling of employers and any calling, service, employment,
handicraft, or industrial occupation or avocation of workmen. However, this expansive
definition left room for ambiguity, especially concerning statutory bodies and non-profit
organizations. In this case, the Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board argued that
it was not an industry, emphasizing its statutory duties and public welfare objectives.
The Board contended that its primary purpose was to provide essential services, not
to engage in profit-making activities typical of private enterprises. On the other hand,
the respondents, including A. Rajappa, argued that the Board’s activities fell within the
scope of an industry as defined by the Act, and thus, its employees should be entitled to
the benefits and protections accorded to workers in industries. The Supreme Court, in its
judgment, undertook a comprehensive analysis of the term ‘industry.’ The bench, led by
Chief Justice M. Hameedullah Beg, laid down a broad and inclusive definition of ‘industry.’
The Court asserted that what mattered was the nature of the activity and the relationship
between the employer and the employees. This interpretation aimed to ensure that a wide
range of workers, including those employed in public utility services, statutory bodies,
and even some non-profit organizations, would be covered under the protective umbrella
of the Industrial Disputes Act. The decision in Bangalore Water Supply v. A. Rajappa
PG
*
& Others had far-reaching implications. It extended the scope of labour protections to a
broader spectrum of workers, ensuring that more employees could benefit from the dispute
resolution mechanisms and other safeguards provided under the Industrial Disputes Act.
This judgment underscored the judiciary’s role in interpreting labour laws to promote social
justice and protect workers’ rights in a rapidly industrializing nation.
(Extract from Bangalore Water Supply v. A. Rajappa & Others, 1978 2 SCC)
6. According to the Supreme Court’s judgment, what is the most important factor in
determining whether an activity constitutes an industry?
(A) The profit-making motive of the employer
(B) When there are multiple activities carried on by an establishment, its dominant
function has to be considered. If the dominant function is not commercial, benefits
of a workman of an industry under Industrial Dispute Act may be given
(C) The nature of the activity and the authority of the employer over its employees
(D) When there are multiple activities carried on by an establishment, all the activities
must be considered. Even if one activity is commercial, the employees will not get
the benefit of workman of an industry under the Industrial Dispute Act
7. Which of the following best describes the broader impact of the judgment?
(A) It reduced labour protections for workers
(B) It extended labour protections to a broader spectrum of workers
(C) It had no significant impact on labour laws
(D) It only affected private sector workers
8. Which of the following best describes the term ‘industry’ as defined by the Supreme
Court in this judgment?
(A) Any activity involving profit-making
(B) Any systematic activity organized by cooperation between an employer and
employees for producing or distributing goods and services
(C) Only activities conducted by private enterprises
(D) Activities limited to manufacturing sectors
9. In which of the following landmark judgement, the Supreme Court held that when an
association or society of apartment owners employs workers for personal services to its
members, those workers do not qualify as workmen under the Act and the association
is not an “Industry” under the Industrial Disputes Act?
(A) Som Vihar Apartment Owners’ Housing Maintenance Society Ltd. v. Workmen,
2009 SC
(B) Anand Vihar Apartment Owners’ Society Ltd. v. Workmen, 2024 SC
(C) Kanchanjunga Building Employees Union v. Kanchanjunga Flat Owners Society
& Anr., 2024 SC
(D) None of the above
PG
*
10. Under the Industrial Dispute Act, 1947, what is the role of the “Works Committee”
and which of the following correctly describes its function?
(A) The Works committee is a body formed by the Central government to address
wage disputes between employer and employee in public sector industries
(B) The Works committee is a grievance redressal body constituted by the employer,
primarily to promote measures for securing and preserving amity and good
relations between the employer and employee
(C) The Works Committee is responsible for making binding decisions on industrial
disputes related to layoffs, retrenchment and closure of industrial units
(D) All of the above
III. For a principle to be acceptable as a law, Lon Fuller states that it must be measured in
terms of the following eight standards: (1) The principle must be expounded in a manner
so that it can be generally applied. A pattern less ad hoc system of law lacks the desired
“internal morality” which legal principles should possess. This proposition is comparable
to the often-read statement that our government is a government of laws rather than men.
(2) The mandates of the law must be communicated to the people to whom they are directed.
(3) Newly announced principles of law, except on rare occasions, should be applied only in a
prospective manner. Retroactive application of changes in prescribed norms, subject to the
presence of compelling extenuating circumstances, should be avoided. (4) Standards of action
and inaction should be clearly stated. Fuller concedes that the lawmaker cannot specify
with absolute clarity exactly what is demanded of each individual in every instance when
the law may affect him. He does, however, assert that the duty to clarify the law should be
delegated to the enforcement bodies only to the extent that such action is required by the
environment in which the law must operate. (5) Arguing that respect for the law calls for
consistency, Fuller maintains that the originators of laws should take great pains to see
that the body of law is as free as possible from contradictory mandates, (6) Emphasizing
that law is tied to the capabilities of human beings, Fuller insists that those who prescribe
the norms required of individuals must refrain from imposing impossible standards of
action or inaction. A stated norm which demands an absurd course of action would violate
Fuller’s idea of the “internal morality of law.” (7) While stare decisis, of recent date, has
been viewed by some, if not many people, as a barrier on the pathways to needed change,
Fuller is of the opinion that abiding by previously announced norms is desirable in and of
itself. He finds that frequency of change, by its very nature, tends to have a deleterious
impact upon the persons who are subjected to an abrupt alteration of the requirements
which the law imposes upon them. (8) The student of American history is familiar with
Andrew Jackson’s assertion to the effect that while the Supreme Court might render a
judgment, it lacked the means by which it might be implemented.
[Extracted from Tucker, Edwin W. (1965) “The Morality of Law, by Lon L. Fuller,” Indiana
Law Journal: Vol. 40: Iss. 2, Article5.]
Read More