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Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.
Article 20(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits Ex Post Facto laws. The expression Ex Post Facto Law means a law, which imposes penalties or convictions on the acts already done and increases the penalty for such acts. In other words, Ex Post Facto Law imposes penalties retrospectively. For example, The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 came into force from 20.5.1961. A person guilty of accepting dowry is punishable under the Act after 20.5 .1961 and not before 20.5.1961. Ex post facto laws are of three kinds as follows: (a) A law which declared some act or omission as an offence for the first time after the completion of that act or omission. (b) A law that enhances the punishment or penalty for an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence. (c) A law that prescribes a new and different procedure for the prosecution of an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence.
Clause (1) of Art. 20 provides protection only in respect of the above first two categories of ex post facto laws i.e., laws that declare acts as offences subsequent to the commission to those acts and laws which enhance the penalty subsequently.
Article 20(1) provides: No person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than that which might have been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence. The first part of clause (1) provides that no person shall be convicted of any offence except for a violation of law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence. The second part of the clause (1) protects a person from a penalty greater than that which he might have been subjected to at the time of the commission of the offence.
Q. Considering the fact situations given in the above question, the Parliament passes legislation in September 2020, whereby an amendment is made to the Juvenile Act and now a person below the age of 20 would be a Juvenile and special procedure would be followed for his trial. Choose the most appropriate option amongst the following:
  • a)
    Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile as it is prohibited under the scheme of Article 20(1).
  • b)
    Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile because the amendment came after he committed the offence.
  • c)
    Mr. A would be considered a Juvenile and tried under the new procedure.
  • d)
    None of the above.
Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
Most Upvoted Answer
Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.Art...
This is the most suitable answer for the following question.
After reading the given situation above we can conclude that Mr A would be considered as a juvenile.
Since the backdated application of a law is allowed when it lowers the amount of punishment for the offence.
Hence, this is the correct option.
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Community Answer
Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.Art...
Understanding Article 20(1) and Juvenile Act Amendments
Article 20(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits ex post facto laws, which means laws that retroactively impose penalties or define acts as offenses after the act has already been committed. This protection is intended to ensure that individuals are only judged based on laws that were in effect at the time of their actions.

Key Points of the Scenario
- The Parliament amended the Juvenile Act in September 2020, defining a juvenile as a person below the age of 20.
- Mr. A committed an offense before this amendment was enacted.

Analysis of the Options
- **Option a**: Incorrect. Article 20(1) does not apply as this option misinterprets the definition of juvenile under the law after the amendment.
- **Option b**: Incorrect. While Mr. A committed the offense before the amendment, the amendment's provisions concerning the classification of juveniles and the procedures apply to the future post-enactment, not retrospectively.
- **Option c**: Correct. The amendment provides a new definition for juveniles, allowing individuals below the age of 20 to be treated under the juvenile system, irrespective of when the offense was committed. Therefore, Mr. A would be considered a juvenile under the new law and would be tried accordingly.
- **Option d**: Incorrect. This option suggests that none of the previous statements are applicable, which is not the case.

Conclusion
In summary, since the amendment to the Juvenile Act establishes a new legal framework that applies from its date of enactment forward, Mr. A is classified as a juvenile and will be tried under the new procedures, aligning with the correct interpretation of the law. Thus, option 'C' is the most appropriate choice.
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Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.Article 20(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits Ex Post Facto laws. The expression Ex Post Facto Law means a law, which imposes penalties or convictions on the acts already done and increases the penalty for such acts. In other words, Ex Post Facto Law imposes penalties retrospectively. For example, The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 came into force from 20.5.1961. A person guilty of accepting dowry is punishable under the Act after 20.5 .1961 and not before 20.5.1961. Ex post facto laws are of three kinds as follows: (a) A law which declared some act or omission as an offence for the first time after the completion of that act or omission. (b) A law that enhances the punishment or penalty for an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence. (c) A law that prescribes a new and different procedure for the prosecution of an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence.Clause (1) of Art. 20 provides protection only in respect of the above first two categories of ex post facto laws i.e., laws that declare acts as offences subsequent to the commission to those acts and laws which enhance the penalty subsequently.Article 20(1) provides: No person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than that which might have been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence. The first part of clause (1) provides that no person shall be convicted of any offence except for a violation of law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence. The second part of the clause (1) protects a person from a penalty greater than that which he might have been subjected to at the time of the commission of the offence.Q. Considering the fact situations given in the above question, the Parliament passes legislation in September 2020, whereby an amendment is made to the Juvenile Act and now a person below the age of 20 would be a Juvenile and special procedure would be followed for his trial. Choose the most appropriate option amongst the following:a)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile as it is prohibited under the scheme of Article 20(1).b)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile because the amendment came after he committed the offence.c)Mr. A would be considered a Juvenile and tried under the new procedure.d)None of the above.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?
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Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.Article 20(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits Ex Post Facto laws. The expression Ex Post Facto Law means a law, which imposes penalties or convictions on the acts already done and increases the penalty for such acts. In other words, Ex Post Facto Law imposes penalties retrospectively. For example, The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 came into force from 20.5.1961. A person guilty of accepting dowry is punishable under the Act after 20.5 .1961 and not before 20.5.1961. Ex post facto laws are of three kinds as follows: (a) A law which declared some act or omission as an offence for the first time after the completion of that act or omission. (b) A law that enhances the punishment or penalty for an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence. (c) A law that prescribes a new and different procedure for the prosecution of an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence.Clause (1) of Art. 20 provides protection only in respect of the above first two categories of ex post facto laws i.e., laws that declare acts as offences subsequent to the commission to those acts and laws which enhance the penalty subsequently.Article 20(1) provides: No person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than that which might have been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence. The first part of clause (1) provides that no person shall be convicted of any offence except for a violation of law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence. The second part of the clause (1) protects a person from a penalty greater than that which he might have been subjected to at the time of the commission of the offence.Q. Considering the fact situations given in the above question, the Parliament passes legislation in September 2020, whereby an amendment is made to the Juvenile Act and now a person below the age of 20 would be a Juvenile and special procedure would be followed for his trial. Choose the most appropriate option amongst the following:a)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile as it is prohibited under the scheme of Article 20(1).b)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile because the amendment came after he committed the offence.c)Mr. A would be considered a Juvenile and tried under the new procedure.d)None of the above.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? for CLAT 2025 is part of CLAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the CLAT exam syllabus. Information about Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.Article 20(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits Ex Post Facto laws. The expression Ex Post Facto Law means a law, which imposes penalties or convictions on the acts already done and increases the penalty for such acts. In other words, Ex Post Facto Law imposes penalties retrospectively. For example, The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 came into force from 20.5.1961. A person guilty of accepting dowry is punishable under the Act after 20.5 .1961 and not before 20.5.1961. Ex post facto laws are of three kinds as follows: (a) A law which declared some act or omission as an offence for the first time after the completion of that act or omission. (b) A law that enhances the punishment or penalty for an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence. (c) A law that prescribes a new and different procedure for the prosecution of an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence.Clause (1) of Art. 20 provides protection only in respect of the above first two categories of ex post facto laws i.e., laws that declare acts as offences subsequent to the commission to those acts and laws which enhance the penalty subsequently.Article 20(1) provides: No person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than that which might have been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence. The first part of clause (1) provides that no person shall be convicted of any offence except for a violation of law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence. The second part of the clause (1) protects a person from a penalty greater than that which he might have been subjected to at the time of the commission of the offence.Q. Considering the fact situations given in the above question, the Parliament passes legislation in September 2020, whereby an amendment is made to the Juvenile Act and now a person below the age of 20 would be a Juvenile and special procedure would be followed for his trial. Choose the most appropriate option amongst the following:a)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile as it is prohibited under the scheme of Article 20(1).b)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile because the amendment came after he committed the offence.c)Mr. A would be considered a Juvenile and tried under the new procedure.d)None of the above.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for CLAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.Article 20(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits Ex Post Facto laws. The expression Ex Post Facto Law means a law, which imposes penalties or convictions on the acts already done and increases the penalty for such acts. In other words, Ex Post Facto Law imposes penalties retrospectively. For example, The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 came into force from 20.5.1961. A person guilty of accepting dowry is punishable under the Act after 20.5 .1961 and not before 20.5.1961. Ex post facto laws are of three kinds as follows: (a) A law which declared some act or omission as an offence for the first time after the completion of that act or omission. (b) A law that enhances the punishment or penalty for an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence. (c) A law that prescribes a new and different procedure for the prosecution of an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence.Clause (1) of Art. 20 provides protection only in respect of the above first two categories of ex post facto laws i.e., laws that declare acts as offences subsequent to the commission to those acts and laws which enhance the penalty subsequently.Article 20(1) provides: No person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than that which might have been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence. The first part of clause (1) provides that no person shall be convicted of any offence except for a violation of law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence. The second part of the clause (1) protects a person from a penalty greater than that which he might have been subjected to at the time of the commission of the offence.Q. Considering the fact situations given in the above question, the Parliament passes legislation in September 2020, whereby an amendment is made to the Juvenile Act and now a person below the age of 20 would be a Juvenile and special procedure would be followed for his trial. Choose the most appropriate option amongst the following:a)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile as it is prohibited under the scheme of Article 20(1).b)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile because the amendment came after he committed the offence.c)Mr. A would be considered a Juvenile and tried under the new procedure.d)None of the above.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.Article 20(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits Ex Post Facto laws. The expression Ex Post Facto Law means a law, which imposes penalties or convictions on the acts already done and increases the penalty for such acts. In other words, Ex Post Facto Law imposes penalties retrospectively. For example, The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 came into force from 20.5.1961. A person guilty of accepting dowry is punishable under the Act after 20.5 .1961 and not before 20.5.1961. Ex post facto laws are of three kinds as follows: (a) A law which declared some act or omission as an offence for the first time after the completion of that act or omission. (b) A law that enhances the punishment or penalty for an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence. (c) A law that prescribes a new and different procedure for the prosecution of an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence.Clause (1) of Art. 20 provides protection only in respect of the above first two categories of ex post facto laws i.e., laws that declare acts as offences subsequent to the commission to those acts and laws which enhance the penalty subsequently.Article 20(1) provides: No person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than that which might have been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence. The first part of clause (1) provides that no person shall be convicted of any offence except for a violation of law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence. The second part of the clause (1) protects a person from a penalty greater than that which he might have been subjected to at the time of the commission of the offence.Q. Considering the fact situations given in the above question, the Parliament passes legislation in September 2020, whereby an amendment is made to the Juvenile Act and now a person below the age of 20 would be a Juvenile and special procedure would be followed for his trial. Choose the most appropriate option amongst the following:a)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile as it is prohibited under the scheme of Article 20(1).b)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile because the amendment came after he committed the offence.c)Mr. A would be considered a Juvenile and tried under the new procedure.d)None of the above.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for CLAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for CLAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.Article 20(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits Ex Post Facto laws. The expression Ex Post Facto Law means a law, which imposes penalties or convictions on the acts already done and increases the penalty for such acts. In other words, Ex Post Facto Law imposes penalties retrospectively. For example, The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 came into force from 20.5.1961. A person guilty of accepting dowry is punishable under the Act after 20.5 .1961 and not before 20.5.1961. Ex post facto laws are of three kinds as follows: (a) A law which declared some act or omission as an offence for the first time after the completion of that act or omission. (b) A law that enhances the punishment or penalty for an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence. (c) A law that prescribes a new and different procedure for the prosecution of an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence.Clause (1) of Art. 20 provides protection only in respect of the above first two categories of ex post facto laws i.e., laws that declare acts as offences subsequent to the commission to those acts and laws which enhance the penalty subsequently.Article 20(1) provides: No person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than that which might have been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence. The first part of clause (1) provides that no person shall be convicted of any offence except for a violation of law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence. The second part of the clause (1) protects a person from a penalty greater than that which he might have been subjected to at the time of the commission of the offence.Q. Considering the fact situations given in the above question, the Parliament passes legislation in September 2020, whereby an amendment is made to the Juvenile Act and now a person below the age of 20 would be a Juvenile and special procedure would be followed for his trial. Choose the most appropriate option amongst the following:a)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile as it is prohibited under the scheme of Article 20(1).b)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile because the amendment came after he committed the offence.c)Mr. A would be considered a Juvenile and tried under the new procedure.d)None of the above.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.Article 20(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits Ex Post Facto laws. The expression Ex Post Facto Law means a law, which imposes penalties or convictions on the acts already done and increases the penalty for such acts. In other words, Ex Post Facto Law imposes penalties retrospectively. For example, The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 came into force from 20.5.1961. A person guilty of accepting dowry is punishable under the Act after 20.5 .1961 and not before 20.5.1961. Ex post facto laws are of three kinds as follows: (a) A law which declared some act or omission as an offence for the first time after the completion of that act or omission. (b) A law that enhances the punishment or penalty for an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence. (c) A law that prescribes a new and different procedure for the prosecution of an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence.Clause (1) of Art. 20 provides protection only in respect of the above first two categories of ex post facto laws i.e., laws that declare acts as offences subsequent to the commission to those acts and laws which enhance the penalty subsequently.Article 20(1) provides: No person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than that which might have been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence. The first part of clause (1) provides that no person shall be convicted of any offence except for a violation of law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence. The second part of the clause (1) protects a person from a penalty greater than that which he might have been subjected to at the time of the commission of the offence.Q. Considering the fact situations given in the above question, the Parliament passes legislation in September 2020, whereby an amendment is made to the Juvenile Act and now a person below the age of 20 would be a Juvenile and special procedure would be followed for his trial. Choose the most appropriate option amongst the following:a)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile as it is prohibited under the scheme of Article 20(1).b)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile because the amendment came after he committed the offence.c)Mr. A would be considered a Juvenile and tried under the new procedure.d)None of the above.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.Article 20(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits Ex Post Facto laws. The expression Ex Post Facto Law means a law, which imposes penalties or convictions on the acts already done and increases the penalty for such acts. In other words, Ex Post Facto Law imposes penalties retrospectively. For example, The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 came into force from 20.5.1961. A person guilty of accepting dowry is punishable under the Act after 20.5 .1961 and not before 20.5.1961. Ex post facto laws are of three kinds as follows: (a) A law which declared some act or omission as an offence for the first time after the completion of that act or omission. (b) A law that enhances the punishment or penalty for an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence. (c) A law that prescribes a new and different procedure for the prosecution of an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence.Clause (1) of Art. 20 provides protection only in respect of the above first two categories of ex post facto laws i.e., laws that declare acts as offences subsequent to the commission to those acts and laws which enhance the penalty subsequently.Article 20(1) provides: No person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than that which might have been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence. The first part of clause (1) provides that no person shall be convicted of any offence except for a violation of law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence. The second part of the clause (1) protects a person from a penalty greater than that which he might have been subjected to at the time of the commission of the offence.Q. Considering the fact situations given in the above question, the Parliament passes legislation in September 2020, whereby an amendment is made to the Juvenile Act and now a person below the age of 20 would be a Juvenile and special procedure would be followed for his trial. Choose the most appropriate option amongst the following:a)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile as it is prohibited under the scheme of Article 20(1).b)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile because the amendment came after he committed the offence.c)Mr. A would be considered a Juvenile and tried under the new procedure.d)None of the above.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.Article 20(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits Ex Post Facto laws. The expression Ex Post Facto Law means a law, which imposes penalties or convictions on the acts already done and increases the penalty for such acts. In other words, Ex Post Facto Law imposes penalties retrospectively. For example, The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 came into force from 20.5.1961. A person guilty of accepting dowry is punishable under the Act after 20.5 .1961 and not before 20.5.1961. Ex post facto laws are of three kinds as follows: (a) A law which declared some act or omission as an offence for the first time after the completion of that act or omission. (b) A law that enhances the punishment or penalty for an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence. (c) A law that prescribes a new and different procedure for the prosecution of an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence.Clause (1) of Art. 20 provides protection only in respect of the above first two categories of ex post facto laws i.e., laws that declare acts as offences subsequent to the commission to those acts and laws which enhance the penalty subsequently.Article 20(1) provides: No person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than that which might have been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence. The first part of clause (1) provides that no person shall be convicted of any offence except for a violation of law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence. The second part of the clause (1) protects a person from a penalty greater than that which he might have been subjected to at the time of the commission of the offence.Q. Considering the fact situations given in the above question, the Parliament passes legislation in September 2020, whereby an amendment is made to the Juvenile Act and now a person below the age of 20 would be a Juvenile and special procedure would be followed for his trial. Choose the most appropriate option amongst the following:a)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile as it is prohibited under the scheme of Article 20(1).b)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile because the amendment came after he committed the offence.c)Mr. A would be considered a Juvenile and tried under the new procedure.d)None of the above.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Directions: Read the passage and answer the question that follows.Article 20(1) of the Indian Constitution prohibits Ex Post Facto laws. The expression Ex Post Facto Law means a law, which imposes penalties or convictions on the acts already done and increases the penalty for such acts. In other words, Ex Post Facto Law imposes penalties retrospectively. For example, The Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961 came into force from 20.5.1961. A person guilty of accepting dowry is punishable under the Act after 20.5 .1961 and not before 20.5.1961. Ex post facto laws are of three kinds as follows: (a) A law which declared some act or omission as an offence for the first time after the completion of that act or omission. (b) A law that enhances the punishment or penalty for an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence. (c) A law that prescribes a new and different procedure for the prosecution of an offence subsequent to the commission of that offence.Clause (1) of Art. 20 provides protection only in respect of the above first two categories of ex post facto laws i.e., laws that declare acts as offences subsequent to the commission to those acts and laws which enhance the penalty subsequently.Article 20(1) provides: No person shall be convicted of any offence except for violation of a law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence, nor be subjected to a penalty greater than that which might have been inflicted under the law in force at the time of the commission of the offence. The first part of clause (1) provides that no person shall be convicted of any offence except for a violation of law in force at the time of the commission of the act charged as an offence. The second part of the clause (1) protects a person from a penalty greater than that which he might have been subjected to at the time of the commission of the offence.Q. Considering the fact situations given in the above question, the Parliament passes legislation in September 2020, whereby an amendment is made to the Juvenile Act and now a person below the age of 20 would be a Juvenile and special procedure would be followed for his trial. Choose the most appropriate option amongst the following:a)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile as it is prohibited under the scheme of Article 20(1).b)Mr. A would not be considered as juvenile because the amendment came after he committed the offence.c)Mr. A would be considered a Juvenile and tried under the new procedure.d)None of the above.Correct answer is option 'C'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice CLAT tests.
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