Lokpal and Important Commissions

61. The Vohra Committee Report (1993) was related to which one of the foll

The Vohra Committee Report (1993) was related to which one of the following areas ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Police Reforms” option2=”Electoral Reforms” option3=”Judicial Reforms” option4=”Market Reforms” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2022
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The correct answer is B) Electoral Reforms. The Vohra Committee Report (1993) was constituted to study the problem of the criminalization of politics and the nexus among criminals, politicians, and bureaucrats in India. The findings highlighted the deep influence of organized crime on the political system, which has significant implications for the fairness and integrity of elections, thereby directly relating to the area of electoral reforms.
– The committee was headed by Home Secretary N.N. Vohra.
– It was formed in response to concerns about the increasing influence of crime syndicates in the country.
– The report detailed how mafia networks operated with the connivance of politicians and bureaucrats.
– The report’s findings fueled discussions and demands for measures to curb the criminalization of politics, which falls under the ambit of electoral and governance reforms.
While the report touched upon the failure of law enforcement and the justice system, its primary focus and the subsequent policy discussions it triggered were centered on the unholy nexus and its impact on the democratic process and governance, particularly the infiltration of criminals into the political arena and influencing elections. This underscores its relevance to electoral reforms and the broader issue of criminalization of politics.

62. Which one of the following Committees/Commissions has given the recomm

Which one of the following Committees/Commissions has given the recommendation on removing corruption in public offices ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Santhanam Committee” option2=”Rajamannar Committee” option3=”Sarkaria Commission” option4=”Venkatachaliah Commission” correct=”option1″]

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UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
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The Santhanam Committee (1962-1964) was appointed to examine the problem of corruption in public services and recommend measures to eradicate it. Its recommendations led to the establishment of the Central Vigilance Commission (CVC).
The Santhanam Committee is specifically known for its comprehensive recommendations on combating corruption in public administration.
The Rajamannar Committee (1969) and the Sarkaria Commission (1983) primarily dealt with Centre-State relations. The Venkatachaliah Commission (2000-2002), also known as the National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution, reviewed the working of the Indian Constitution.

63. The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission can be removed

The Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission can be removed by the

[amp_mcq option1=”Chief Justice of India.” option2=”President of India.” option3=”Parliament of India.” option4=”Prime Minister of India.” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
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The correct answer is B) President of India.
– As per Section 23 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the Chairperson or any other Member of the National Human Rights Commission can be removed from office by the President of India.
– The grounds for removal are proved misbehaviour or incapacity.
– Before removal, the President must refer the matter for inquiry to the Supreme Court. If the Supreme Court, after the inquiry, reports that the Chairperson or Member ought to be removed on such grounds, the President shall order the removal.
– While the Supreme Court conducts the inquiry, the ultimate authority for issuing the removal order is the President of India.
This procedure is similar to the removal process for judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, emphasizing the importance and independence of the NHRC members. The President acts based on the binding recommendation from the Supreme Court after a due process of inquiry.

64. What is the prescribed term of office of the Chairperson and the Membe

What is the prescribed term of office of the Chairperson and the Members of the National Human Rights Commission ?

[amp_mcq option1=”5 years or up to 70 years of age” option2=”3 years or up to 70 years of age” option3=”5 years or up to 65 years of age” option4=”3 years or up to 65 years of age” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
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The correct answer is B) 3 years or up to 70 years of age.
– Originally, the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, prescribed a term of 5 years for both the Chairperson and Members of the NHRC. The age limit was 70 for the Chairperson and 65 for Members.
– The Protection of Human Rights (Amendment) Act, 2019, significantly changed the term of office. It reduced the term of office for both the Chairperson and Members to 3 years and made the age limit 70 years for both.
– As the question asks for “the prescribed term” without specifying a time period before the amendment, it is expected to refer to the law currently in force or the most recent version. The most recent amendment (2019) sets the term at 3 years or up to 70 years of age for both Chairperson and Members.
– Option B matches the term prescribed by the 2019 amendment.
The 2019 amendment aimed to make the selection process and terms of office of NHRC members more aligned with other similar bodies and address certain concerns. The change to a 3-year term for both Chairperson and Members, with an age limit of 70 years, is a key feature of the amended Act.

65. Which one of the following is *not* a function of the National Human R

Which one of the following is *not* a function of the National Human Rights Commission ?

[amp_mcq option1=”To spread human rights literacy among various sections of society” option2=”To provide economic compensation to human rights violation victims” option3=”To prosecute and punish the human rights violator” option4=”To intervene in any proceeding involving any allegation of violation of human rights pending before a court with approval of such court” correct=”option3″]

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The correct answer is C) To prosecute and punish the human rights violator.
– The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) is an investigative and recommendatory body, not a judicial court.
– Its functions include inquiring into complaints of human rights violations, visiting jails, reviewing laws, recommending measures for the effective implementation of human rights treaties, spreading human rights literacy, and encouraging the efforts of NGOs.
– While the NHRC can recommend to the concerned government or authority the initiation of proceedings for prosecution or such other action against the violator (as per Section 18 of the PHR Act), it does not have the power to prosecute or punish individuals itself. These powers rest with the judiciary and executive branches.
– The NHRC can also recommend the grant of immediate interim relief, including monetary compensation, to the victim (Section 18(c)), but the act of providing or disbursing the compensation is done by the concerned government or authority, not the Commission itself. Therefore, option B, “To provide economic compensation…”, is also not a direct function, as it only recommends it. However, option C describes judicial/penal powers which are clearly outside the NHRC’s mandate, making it the most definitive “not a function”.
The NHRC’s role is to investigate, report, and recommend actions to the appropriate authorities. Its recommendations are not legally binding but carry significant weight and are expected to be acted upon by the government. Lack of power to prosecute and punish is a key limitation on the NHRC compared to a court of law.

66. National Human Rights Commission is a

National Human Rights Commission is a

[amp_mcq option1=”Corporate Body.” option2=”Constitutional Body.” option3=”Regulatory Body.” option4=”Statutory Body.” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
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The correct answer is D) Statutory Body.
– The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) was established by the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.
– A body created by an Act of Parliament is known as a Statutory Body.
– A Constitutional Body, on the other hand, is one that is directly established by the Constitution of India (e.g., Election Commission, Union Public Service Commission).
– While the NHRC possesses qualities of a corporate body (perpetual succession, common seal, etc.), its primary classification based on its origin is statutory. It is not primarily a regulatory body in the sense of regulating a specific economic sector.
The Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, provides for the constitution of the National Human Rights Commission at the central level and State Human Rights Commissions at the state level. These bodies are independent statutory entities tasked with protecting and promoting human rights in the country.

67. According to the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, who can be appo

According to the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, who can be appointed as a Chairperson of NHRC?

[amp_mcq option1=”A person who has been Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India” option2=”An eminent jurist who has outstanding knowledge of Human Rights matters” option3=”A sitting High Court Chief Justice” option4=”The seniormost member of the National Human Rights Commission” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2021
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According to Section 3 of the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993, the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) shall be a person who has been a Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India. The Act was amended in 2019 to allow a person who has been a Judge of the Supreme Court also to be eligible, but the original 1993 Act and a primary eligibility criterion remains a former Chief Justice of India. Option A directly reflects this specific requirement for the Chairperson post in the 1993 Act.
The Chairperson of the NHRC, as per the 1993 Act, must have held the position of Chief Justice of India.
The other members of the NHRC, as per the 1993 Act, include one Member who is or has been a Judge of the Supreme Court, one Member who is or has been the Chief Justice of a High Court, and two Members to be appointed from amongst persons having knowledge of, or practical experience in, matters relating to human rights. The 2019 amendment changed the eligibility for members and the Chairperson.

68. Which one among the following is not the power of the National Commi

Which one among the following is not the power of the National Commission for the Scheduled Castes ?

[amp_mcq option1=”To investigate all matters to safeguard the Scheduled Castes” option2=”To inquire into specific complaints with respect to deprivation of rights of the Scheduled Castes” option3=”To prepare reports pertaining to the welfare of the Scheduled Castes” option4=”To initiate a judicial enquiry related to the matters of the Scheduled Castes” correct=”option4″]

This question was previously asked in
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The correct answer is D) To initiate a judicial enquiry related to the matters of the Scheduled Castes.
The National Commission for Scheduled Castes (NCSC), established under Article 338 of the Constitution, has significant powers including investigating matters related to safeguards for SCs (A), inquiring into specific complaints of rights deprivation (B), and presenting reports to the President (C). However, the Commission does not have the power to initiate a judicial enquiry. Its powers, while investigating or inquiring into complaints, are akin to those of a civil court (summoning witnesses, requiring document production, etc.), but it does not possess the authority to conduct or initiate a judicial process or trial. Judicial powers rest with the judiciary.
The NCSC is a constitutional body tasked with protecting the rights and interests of the Scheduled Castes. Its functions include monitoring the implementation of constitutional and legal safeguards, advising on socio-economic development plans, and submitting annual reports on the working of these safeguards. The reports are laid before Parliament.

69. “मा गृधः कस्यस्विद्धनम्” (Ma Gridhah Kasyasvidhanam) is the motto of

“मा गृधः कस्यस्विद्धनम्” (Ma Gridhah Kasyasvidhanam) is the motto of

[amp_mcq option1=”Lokpal” option2=”Election Commission of India” option3=”Central Electricity Regulatory Commission” option4=”Central Information Commission” correct=”option1″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2020
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The motto “मा गृधः कस्यस्विद्धनम्” (Ma Gridhah Kasyasvidhanam) is the motto of the Lokpal of India. This phrase is derived from the Isha Upanishad (Verse 1) and translates to “Do not covet the wealth of others” or “Do not be greedy for anybody’s wealth”. This motto aligns with the role of the Lokpal as an anti-corruption authority, emphasizing integrity and freedom from greed.
The Lokpal is a statutory body constituted under the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013, to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries. Its motto reflects the ethical principles it stands for.
Other institutions have different mottos. For example, the Election Commission of India uses “No Voter Left Behind” in campaigns, though its identity is often just its name. The mottos are often chosen to represent the core values and mission of the institution.

70. Under the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, what is the maximum

Under the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003, what is the maximum number of persons constituting the Central Vigilance Commission including the Chairperson ?

[amp_mcq option1=”Two” option2=”Three” option3=”Four” option4=”Five” correct=”option2″]

This question was previously asked in
UPSC CISF-AC-EXE – 2018
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Section 3 of the Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003 provides for the constitution of the Central Vigilance Commission.
According to Section 3(2), the Commission shall consist of: (a) a Central Vigilance Commissioner (who is the Chairperson); and (b) not more than two Vigilance Commissioners. Therefore, the maximum number of persons constituting the Commission, including the Chairperson, is 1 + 2 = 3.
The Central Vigilance Commissioner and the Vigilance Commissioners are appointed by the President on the recommendation of a committee consisting of the Prime Minister (Chairperson), the Minister of Home Affairs, and the Leader of the Opposition in the House of the People.
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