Embarking on the challenging journey of preparing for the UPSC Mains examination demands a strategic approach, and one crucial aspect of this preparation is mastering the optional subjects. For aspirants with Public Administration as their chosen optional, delving into the previous year questions is not just a practice; it’s a roadmap to success. In this blog series, we’ll navigate through the labyrinth of Law and Order Administration, a pivotal topic in Public Administration, by meticulously analyzing and dissecting the questions asked in the UPSC Mains from 2013 to 2023. Through this exploration, we aim to provide aspirants with valuable insights, patterns, and a comprehensive understanding of how the dynamics of Law and Order Administration have evolved over the years in the context of the UPSC examination.
The realm of Law and Order Administration is not merely a theoretical subject; it’s a reflection of the intricate challenges faced by the administrators in maintaining peace and justice in a diverse and dynamic society. As we unravel the layers of questions posed in the past decade, aspirants can expect to gain a nuanced understanding of the core concepts, contemporary issues, and the analytical skills required to navigate this critical aspect of public administration. So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on this intellectual expedition, exploring the past to illuminate the path toward a successful performance in the upcoming UPSC Mains examination.
Law and Order Administration – Public Administration – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains Psychology Optional)
British Legacy
1. Is training of police in India still a reflection of the colonial mindset? Give reasons for your answer. (2016)
2. Critically examine the statement: ‘Thana’ (police station) as the last bastion of the waning British administrative legacy in India. (2014)
National Police Commission, Investigative agencies
1. There has been a long-standing demand for separation of police investigation from prosecution. Analyze its merits and demerits. (2020)
2. Discuss critically the salient features of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) regarding its purposes and jurisdiction. (2015)
3. “Laws are enacted without involving the police in the conception stage, with the result implementation of these laws leaves much to be desired.” Examine the role of police in protection of children. (2013)
4. ‘No Statement made by any person to a Police Officer in the course of an investigation shall be signed by the person making it; nor shall any such Statement or any record thereof, be used for any purpose at any enquiry or trial.’ Comment. (1989)
Role of Central and state agencies including paramilitary forces in maintenance of law and order and countering insurgency and terrorism
1. Even though the law and order administration is a State subject, it is paradoxical that the Central agencies-NIA or paramilitary forces under the Union Government- have restricted the powers of State Government. Discuss. (2019)
2. “The AFSPA debate reveals that the Indian paramilitary forces are caught between the imperatives of national security and protection of human rights.” Discuss. (2018)
3. In view of the contemporary internal scenario should ‘law and order’ be made a part of the Concurrent List of the Constitution of India? Justify your opinion. (2017)
4. Discuss the significance and role of the Central Paramilitary Forces in maintaining law and order and countering insurgency as well as terrorism. (2015)
5. Do you think that the Central para-military police forces have proven more effective than the State police service? Give your answer objectively in a critical vein. (2014)
6. “Even though law and order administration is a State subject in the Indian Constitution, it is paradoxical that the para-military and other kinds of security forces under the Union Government have grown in recent years.” Critically analyse the statement. (2012)
7. “Law and order problems of the twenty-first century cannot be tackled through legislations and structures of the nineteenth century.” Give suggestions for transforming the law and order machinery at the State level. (2009)
8. “The role played by Central and State Government in maintaining law and order is inadequate and unmatched to growing criminalization.” Comment. (2005)
9. “Maintenance od law and order is a State subject but the Union Government can deploy armed forces in any State.” Comment. (2000)
10. “In the midst of political and socio-economic challenges, the law and order administration has become both difficult and delicate.” Explain. (1999)
11. “The word ‘Police’ in the title of the Central Reserve Police Force and the Indo-Tibetan Border Police is a misnomer.” Comment. (1997)
12. “Internal Security is a para-political exercise and a para-military operation in detecting, combating and dissolving ‘Threat Profiles’ in the area of law and order, social order and national security.” Discuss. (1993)
13. ‘Even though law and order administration is State subject in the Indian Constitution it is paradoxical that the para-military and other kinds of security forces under the Union Government have surgeoned in recent years.’ Comment. (1987)
14. “Maintenance of law and order is a de facto concurrent subject.” Discuss, in this connection, the roles of the centre and the states in the law-and-order field. (1994)
Criminalisation of politics and administration
1. The increasing criminalization of politics is a major threat to the basic fabric of Indian democracy. Comment. (2021)
2. “Institutional change is a necessary but not a sufficient condition for reducing criminalisation of politics.” Examine. (2018)
3. “There is both criminalisation of politics and politicisation of criminals in India.” Examine and identify the challenges they cause for law & order administration. (2013)
4. “Criminalisation of politics has been responsible for the problems related to law and order in our nation.” Comment. (2004)
5. “Criminalization of politics in India has been extended to politicization of criminals.” Comment. (2003)
Police – public relations
1. The effectiveness of law and order administration depends on cooperative attitudes of people towards police, than bringing reforms in the structure and procedures of law and order machinery. Do you agree? Give reasons. (2022)
2. Police – Public relations in India need to be improved. Suggest measures to strengthen relations between police and public. (2021)
3. Critically examine the concept of community policing as a tool for improving public-police relations. (2015)
4. “Police – public relations are a story of insincere efforts made on both sides.” Elaborate. (2014)
5. “Community policing has become a victim of elite capture.” Discuss the concept of community policing and bring out the implications of the above statement. (2011)
6. ‘The Present culture of the Indian police system appears as continuation of what obtained under the British regime. In public estimate the police appears as an agency more to implement and enforce the objectives of the Government in power as district from enforcing law as such as an independent and impartial agency.’ Comment. (1990)
Reforms in Police
1. Police needs to be made accountable and freed from the grip of politics. It is a big challenge not only for law and order but also for the development of the country. Critically examine. (2020)
2. The police-public interface is punctuated with distrust and fear. Suggest how the police can reform its image in the eyes of the public. (2019)
3. “The image of Indian Police can be improved if its structure and orientations are transformed radically.” Do you agree? Elaborate. (2017)
4. “Police reforms in India have remained a contentious issue”. Critically analyse. (2016)
5. “The design of the Indian Police was to subjugate the Indian People in the aftermath of 1857.” Analyse in the context of the Indian Police Act of 1861. (2013)
6. Compare and contrast the Padmanabhaiah, Ribeiro and Mallinath Committee Reports. (2012)
7. “The theme of Police Reforms continues to haunt the Parliament.” In the light of this statement, discuss the state of Criminal Justice System administration in India. (2011)
8. Do you think that the Indian police legislation, structure, technology, attitudes and behaviour are appropriate to meet the law and order problems in the country? What fundamental changes would you suggest in these realms to make the Central and the State police forces more effective in their role-performance? (1998)
9. “The work of crime prevention has gone down in the priority list of police activities in recent years.” (1996)
10. Write a critical essay on ‘The Dilemmas of Police Administration in a Plural Society.’ (1992)
11. “Law and order are neither synonymous nor supplementary hence one perspective on police reforms in India can be a bifurcation of the existing Police administration into two independent entities-Judicial (or law) Police and Executive (or Order) Police.” Comment. (1988)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What is the significance of Law and Order Administration in the context of Public Administration as an optional subject in the UPSC Mains?
Understanding the importance of Law and Order Administration is crucial for aspirants. This FAQ will delve into why this topic holds a prominent place in the Public Administration syllabus, its real-world implications, and its relevance for administrative officers.
Q: How can a thorough analysis of previous year questions on Law and Order Administration aid in UPSC Mains preparation?
Exploring the past decade’s questions provides valuable insights into the UPSC’s examination patterns and expectations. This FAQ will guide aspirants on how dissecting these questions can enhance their understanding, improve answer-writing skills, and ultimately contribute to a more effective exam strategy.
Q: What are the key sub-topics within Law and Order Administration that UPSC frequently focuses on in its questions?
This question aims to highlight the specific aspects and sub-themes within Law and Order Administration that aspirants should pay special attention to. Identifying and mastering these sub-topics can significantly boost the chances of success in the UPSC Mains examination.
Q: How has the landscape of Law and Order Administration evolved in recent years, and how does it impact the preparation strategy for UPSC Mains?
Given the dynamic nature of law enforcement and public order, understanding the changes and developments in this field is essential. This FAQ will explore the evolving trends and their implications, guiding aspirants on how to stay updated and adapt their preparation strategies accordingly.
Q: Are there any case studies or real-world examples within Law and Order Administration that aspirants should be familiar with for the UPSC Mains exam?
Case studies and real-world examples add practical depth to theoretical knowledge. This FAQ will provide guidance on the types of case studies and examples aspirants should be acquainted with to enhance their answers and demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of Law and Order Administration in real-world scenarios.
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