Miscellaneous: UPSC Previous Year Questions (Polity)
3 previous year UPSC Prelims questions on Miscellaneous (Polity). Choose an option to see the answer and explanation.
Explanations state facts as of the year each question was asked; words like “recently” refer to that year.
Showing 1–3 of 3 questions
UPSC 2021Polity · Miscellaneous
Q1. With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. When a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, parole cannot be denied to such prisoner because it becomes a matter of his/ her right. 2. State Governments have their own Prisoners Release on Parole Rules. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: Parole is not a right but a privilege granted by prison authorities. Parole is a discretionary relief granted to prisoners under specific conditions. The decision to grant parole lies with the prison authorities or state authorities, and they may deny parole even if a prisoner makes out a sufficient case, depending on factors such as security risks or the nature of the crime committed.
Statement 2 is correct: Each state has its own parole rules, governed by respective State Prison Manuals and the Prisons Act, 1894. These rules outline eligibility criteria, conditions, and the authority responsible for granting parole.
Exam tip:
For S1, Trap phrase: "cannot be denied" an absolute phrase implying parole becomes a right. But in India:
Parole is not a Fundamental Right, nor is it automatically granted. Even if a "sufficient case" is made, granting parole is at the discretion of the competent authority. Hence likely false.
UPSC 2021Polity · Miscellaneous
Q2. With reference to India, consider the following statements: 1. Judicial custody means an accused is in the custody of the concerned magistrate and such accused is locked up in a police station, not in jail. 2. During judicial custody, the police officer in charge of the case is not allowed to interrogate the suspect without the approval of the court. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: Judicial custody does not mean detention in a police station. Instead, the accused is sent to jail under the magistrate’s orders. Police custody, on the other hand, involves detention at a police station for investigation. Judicial custody ensures that the accused is under judicial supervision and not directly handled by the police.
Statement 2 is correct: During judicial custody, the police cannot interrogate the accused without prior approval from the court. This provision protects the accused from undue pressure or custodial violence while ensuring due process.
Additional insight:
Judicial custody refers to a situation where an accused person is under the custody of the court and housed in a jail, whereas police custody means the accused is detained at a police station for investigation. These are governed by provisions under the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973.
Aspect
Judicial custody
Police custody
Authority
Under the jurisdiction of the court.
Under the jurisdiction of the police for investigation.
Detention location
The accused is sent to jail (prison or judicial lock-up).
The accused is kept in a police station lock-up.
Purpose
Ensures the accused does not tamper with evidence or influence witnesses while awaiting trial.
Allows police to interrogate the accused, gather evidence and proceed with the investigation.
Duration
Can extend up to 90 days for serious offences and 60 days for others.
Maximum 15 days, after which the accused must be presented before a magistrate.
Interrogation rights
Police need court permission to interrogate the accused in jail.
Police can directly question the accused without seeking court permission.
UPSC 2021Polity · Miscellaneous
Q3. With reference to casual workers employed in India, consider the following statements: 1. All casual workers are entitled for Employees Provident Fund coverage. 2. All casual workers are entitled for regular working hours and overtime payment. 3. The government can by a notification specify that an establishment or industry shall pay wages only through its bank account. Which of the above statements are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: EPF coverage is not universal for all casual workers. It applies to workers in establishments with 20 or more employees and only if they meet the eligibility criteria under the Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952. Many temporary, seasonal, or casual workers may not qualify.
Statement 2 is correct: Casual workers are entitled to regular working hours and overtime payment as per the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, and the Factories Act, 1948. These laws ensure that all workers, including casual labourers, have regulated working hours and are paid overtime wages at stipulated rates if they work beyond the prescribed hours.
Statement 3 is correct: The government can mandate wage payments through banking channels under the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, which was amended by the Payment of Wages (Amendment) Act, 2017. This amendment allows the government to require industries and establishments to pay wages electronically or through bank transfers to enhance transparency and prevent exploitation.
Answer key for these questions
Q
UPSC year
Correct answer
1
2021
(b) 2 only
2
2021
(b) 2 only
3
2021
(b) 2 and 3 only
Frequently asked questions
How many previous year UPSC questions are there on Miscellaneous?
This page covers 3 previous year UPSC Prelims GS Paper-I questions on Miscellaneous (Polity), asked from 1997 to 2025. Each has the correct answer and an explanation.
How should I use previous year UPSC questions for Prelims?
Attempt each question first, then open the answer and read the explanation for every option. Repeat by chapter, and track which statements UPSC reuses across years. Previous year questions show the exam pattern and difficulty level.
Which years are covered for Miscellaneous?
Questions on Miscellaneous (Polity) are available for 19 years, from 1997 to 2025. Use the Year filter to practise a single paper.
