Unit II · Topic 9Principle of natural justice – Previous Year Questions

20 previous year questions on Principle of natural justice from UGC NET Law papers (2012–2025), including 3 assertion–reason, 7 match-the-list, 2 statement-based questions. The correct option is marked in green.

Questions

20 questions

June 2012 · Paper 3Assertion–Reason

10. Assertion (A): The principles of natural justice ensure fair hearing.

Reason (R): It requires an unbiased judge to decide after hearing all parties.

  1. (a)Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)✓
  2. (b)Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is not the correct explanation of (A)
  3. (c)(A) is true, but (R) is false
  4. (d)(A) is false, but (R) is true
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation: The principles of natural justice include fair hearing (audi alteram partem) and impartial adjudication (nemo judex in causa sua). These principles ensure procedural fairness in judicial and quasi-judicial proceedings, and the Reason (R) correctly supports the Assertion (A).

December 2013 · Paper 3 (With Admin Law

8. What are exceptions to the rule of natural justice?

Options:

Exclusion by statutory provisions

Exclusion by Constitutional provisions

Exclusion in case of legislative act

Exclusion in public interest

Answer & explanation

Answer: (d) All of the above are correct

Explanation: The rule of natural justice can be excluded in several scenarios, such as: when there is a specific statutory provision excluding it, when constitutional provisions override it, when the action is legislative in nature, or when public interest demands such exclusion. Courts have upheld these exceptions in various judgments.

December 2013 · Paper 3 (With Admin LawAssertion–Reason

9. Assertion (A): In India, the order passed in violation of the principles of natural justice is void.

Reason (R): In India, there is a void in the area of principles of justice by nature.

Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) A is true, but R is false

Explanation: In India, an administrative or judicial order passed in violation of natural justice principles is considered void and unenforceable. However, the reason (R) incorrectly claims that there is a void (absence) in this area, which is not true. India recognizes and strongly enforces natural justice in law.

December 2014 · Paper 3Match the lists

9. Match the following:

A. No rigid formula for natural justice – R.S. Dass v. Union of India

B. Choice of application of natural justice – R. v. Sussex Justices

C. Justice must be seen to be done – Union of India v. P.K. Roy

D. Meaning of bias – Secy, to Govt. Transport Dept. v. Munuswamy Mudaliar

Correct code:

  1. (a)B D A C
  2. (b)C A D B
  3. (c)A C B D
  4. (d)C A B D✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

Explanation: Each principle corresponds to the case as follows:

C – Union of India v. P.K. Roy (justice seen to be done)

A – R.S. Dass (no fixed formula for natural justice)

B – Sussex Justices (application of principles)

D – Munuswamy (bias)

December 2014 · Paper 3

14. What was the principle laid down in A.K. Kripak v. Union of India?

  1. (a)Rule of law is embedded in Article 14
  2. (b)Judicial review is part of the basic structure
  3. (c)Principles of natural justice apply to administrative proceedings✓
  4. (d)Post-decisional hearing is sufficient
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation: In A.K. Kripak v. Union of India (1970), the Supreme Court held that even administrative decisions must conform to natural justice principles.

June 2015 Paper 3

10. Which of the following is not an exception to the principles of natural justice?

  1. (a)Impracticability
  2. (b)Legislative action
  3. (c)Rule against dictation✓
  4. (d)Statutory necessity
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation: "Rule against dictation" is a part of natural justice and administrative fairness, not an exception. The other options — impracticability, legislative action, and statutory necessity — are recognized exceptions where natural justice can be bypassed.

July 2016 Paper 3

10. Which of the following is not an essential element of the doctrine of audi alteram partem?

  1. (a)Person affected adversely must be heard
  2. (b)Fair and transparent procedure must be provided by authority
  3. (c)Reasoned decision must not be based on satisfaction of the concerned authority✓
  4. (d)Authority must dispose of the matter by a speaking order
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation:

The doctrine of audi alteram partem (hear the other side) emphasizes natural justice, including the right to be heard and a reasoned decision. Statement (c) is incorrect as a reasoned decision should be independent and not merely based on the authority's satisfaction.

July 2016 Paper 3Match the lists

11. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct answer using the codes given below.

List-I (Decision):

A. Hira Nath Mishra v. Rajendra Medical College

B. Bhagat Ram v. State of H.P.

C. A.K. Roy v. Union of India

D. H.L. Trehan v. Union of India

List-II (Principle):

The inquiry was vitiated as a Class IV employee had to defend himself against officers, hence denial of principles of natural justice.

Principles of natural justice can be exempted for the security of girl students and they may testify in the absence of miscreants.

No deprivation of existing rights enjoyed by a government servant without giving him an opportunity of being heard.

Principles of natural justice are not rigid norms; they must be tailored to the nature of the proceeding.

Codes:

  1. (a)A-2, B-1, C-4, D-3✓
  2. (b)A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
  3. (c)A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
  4. (d)A-2, B-1, C-3, D-4
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

A. In Hira Nath Mishra, for the safety of girl students, the Court allowed testimony in absence of accused males, accepting deviation from natural justice.

B. Bhagat Ram emphasized fair inquiry and held that denial of cross-examination vitiated justice.

C. In A.K. Roy, preventive detention procedures were held not subject to rigid natural justice but flexible to context.

D. H.L. Trehan held that existing benefits of employees cannot be withdrawn without hearing them.

September 2016 Paper 3

10. In which of the following cases did the Supreme Court apply the doctrine of necessity?

Election Commission of India v. Dr. Subramaniam Swamy

Ashok Kumar Yadav v. State of Haryana

Institute of Chartered Accountants v. L.K. Ratna

Amarnath Chowdhary v. Braithwaite

Options:

  1. (a)1 and 2 only✓
  2. (b)3 and 4 only
  3. (c)1, 2, and 3 only
  4. (d)All of the above
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

The Doctrine of Necessity was applied in Election Commission v. Subramaniam Swamy and Ashok Kumar Yadav v. State of Haryana, where the Court allowed certain exceptions due to administrative exigencies. The other cases did not invoke this doctrine.

September 2016 Paper 3Match the lists

15. Match List-I with List-II and select the correct code:

List-I (Cases)

A. A.K. Kraipak v. Union of India

B. Gullapalli Nageswar Rao v. A.P.S.R.T.C.

C. State of Orissa v. Binapani Devi

D. Mahapatra & Co. v. State of Orissa

List-II (Legal Principle)

Rule of Pecuniary Bias

Rule of Official Bias

Rule of Personal Bias

Rule of Hearing

Options:

  1. (a)A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
  2. (b)A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1✓
  3. (c)A-3, B-1, C-2, D-4
  4. (d)A-4, B-2, C-1, D-3
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

A.K. Kraipak v. Union of India involved personal bias, where a member of the selection board was also a candidate.

Gullapalli Nageswar Rao v. APSRTC involved official bias, as the person who decided the case had also conducted the hearing.

State of Orissa v. Binapani Devi affirmed the right to be heard (audi alteram partem).

Mahapatra & Co. v. State of Orissa involved pecuniary bias, where an authority had a financial interest in the decision.

January 2017 Paper 2Match the lists

4. Match the following cases (List-I) with the principles (List-II):

List-I (Cases)

A. Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain

B. Gullapalli Nageswara Rao v. APSRTC

C. Fagu Shaw v. State of West Bengal

D. Upendra Baxi v. State of U.P.

List-II (Principles)

Departmental Bias

Preventive Detention

Rights of Inmates of Protective Homes

Rights of Prisoners

Codes:

  1. (a)A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3✓
  2. (b)A-1, B-4, C-2, D-3
  3. (c)A-4, B-1, C-3, D-2
  4. (d)A-2, B-3, C-1, D-4
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation:

Indira Nehru Gandhi v. Raj Narain – Deals with rights of prisoners during election petitions.

Gullapalli Nageswara Rao – Involved departmental bias.

Fagu Shaw v. State of West Bengal – Concerned with preventive detention.

Upendra Baxi v. State of U.P. – Dealt with conditions of inmates in protective homes.

January 2017 Paper 3Match the lists

12. Match List-I with List-II and choose the correct answer from the codes given below:

List-I (Type of Bias):

A. Personal Bias

B. Pecuniary Bias

C. Subject Matter Bias

D. Departmental Bias

List-II (Cases):

Ijeejeebhoy v. Collector

Krishna Bus Service (P) Ltd. v. State of Haryana

Manak Lal v. Dr. Prem Chand

G. Nageswara Rao v. A.P.S.R.T.C.

Codes:

  1. (a)A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
  2. (b)A-3, B-1, C-4, D-2✓
  3. (c)A-3, B-2, C-4, D-1
  4. (d)A-4, B-1, C-2, D-3
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation:

A. Personal Bias – Manak Lal v. Dr. Prem Chand

B. Pecuniary Bias – Ijeejeebhoy v. Collector

C. Subject Matter Bias – G. Nageswara Rao v. A.P.S.R.T.C.

D. Departmental Bias – Krishna Bus Service v. State of Haryana

This matching is based on recognized classifications of bias in judicial and administrative law.

November 2017 Paper 3Assertion–Reason

10. Assertion (A): Natural justice is justice of the nature where the lion devours the lamb and the tiger feeds upon the antelope.

Reason (R): The above statement is taken from Union of India v. Tulsiram Patel.

  1. (a)Both A and R are correct✓
  2. (b)A is correct but R is incorrect
  3. (c)R is correct but A is incorrect
  4. (d)Both A and R are incorrect
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation: In Union of India v. Tulsiram Patel (1985), this metaphor was used to show that principles of natural justice may be excluded in some administrative matters, such as public emergency or interest of state.

November 2017 Paper 3

11. The quotation “Principles of natural justice must be read into the provision of law” is taken from which case?

  1. (a)State of U.P. v. Vijay Kumar Tripathi✓
  2. (b)P. Satyanarayan v. Land Reforms Tribunal
  3. (c)I.T.C. v. State of Madras
  4. (d)Manjula Manjari Devi v. Director of Public Instruction
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a)

Explanation: The quote is taken from State of U.P. v. Vijay Kumar Tripathi, where the Supreme Court emphasized the importance of applying natural justice even when not explicitly mentioned in the statute.

July 2018Match the lists

14. Match List-I (Name of Case) with List-II (Principle of Natural Justice) and choose the correct answer.

List-I

A. Hira Nath Mishra v. Rajendra Medical College

B. Union of India v. Mohd. Ramzan Khan

C. Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India

D. Union of India v. Narendra Singh

List-II

Right to notice

No evidence should be taken behind the back of the other party

Enquiry report must be shown to the other party

Speaking orders or reasoned decision

Code:

  1. (a)A-3, B-4, C-1, D-2
  2. (b)A-4, B-3, C-2, D-1
  3. (c)A-1, B-2, C-3, D-4
  4. (d)A-2, B-3, C-4, D-3✓
Answer & explanation

Answer: (d)

Explanation:

Hira Nath Mishra: Violated the principle that no evidence should be taken behind the back.

Union of India v. Ramzan Khan: Enquiry report must be furnished.

Maneka Gandhi: Right to a reasoned decision (speaking orders).

Union of India v. Narendra Singh: Right to notice was affirmed.

December 2018Statements

14. Which of the following statements are correct in relation to the principles of natural justice?

Principles of natural justice have enriched law and constitutions globally.

A fixed formula can always be applied to determine bias.

Giving reasons for a decision promotes objectivity over subjectivity.

Prior hearing can always be replaced by post-decisional hearing.

  1. (a)1 and 2 are correct
  2. (b)3 and 4 are correct
  3. (c)1 and 3 are correct✓
  4. (d)2 and 4 are correct
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c)

Explanation: Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Principles of natural justice are universal and giving reasons fosters transparency. Statements 2 and 4 are incorrect as no universal formula exists for bias, and post-decisional hearing is not always a substitute for prior hearing.

June 2019

9. In which case did the Supreme Court hold that 'the audi alteram partem rule, in essence enforces the equality clause in Article 14 and it is applicable not only to quasijudicial bodies but also to administrative order adversely affecting the party in question?’

  1. (a)U.P. Warehousing Corp. v. Vijay Narain
  2. (b)Delhi Transport Corp. v. DTC Mazdoor Union✓
  3. (c)A.K. Gopalan v. State of Madras
  4. (d)Gullapalli Nageswara Rao v. APSRTC
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b)

Explanation: In Delhi Transport Corp. v. DTC Mazdoor Union, the Court held that the rule of natural justice applies to both quasi-judicial and administrative decisions if they adversely affect individual rights.

June 2020 · Q46

In which case, in respect of natural justice, Lord Denning said that "With a good man in the saddle, the unruly horse can be kept under control, it can jump over abstacles. It can leap fences put up by fictions and come down on the other side of justice."

  1. (a)Enderby Town Football Club Ltd. v. Football Association Ltd✓
  2. (b)Canara Bank v. Debasis Das
  3. (c)R.V. Hendon Rural District Council
  4. (d)American Cyanamide Co. v. Federal Trade Commission
Answer & explanation

Answer: (a) Enderby Town Football Club Ltd. v. Football Association Ltd

December 2022 · Q62Statements

Which of the statement's is/are correct?

A. A quasi-judicial body may never review its own decisions if there is grave error of law in it

B. A quasi judicial body may review its own decisions if there is grave error of law in it

C. A quasi judicial body has inherent power to review its own decisions

D. A quasi judicial body has power to issue writs

Choose the correct answer from the options given below

  1. (a)A and C only
  2. (b)B only
  3. (c)A only✓
  4. (d)B and D only
Answer & explanation

Answer: (c) A only

June 2025 · Q25Match the lists

Match the following principles of natural justice with case laws

List-I (Principle)

A. Pecuniary Bias

B. Personal Bias

C. Official Bias

D. Judicial Obstinacy

List-II (Case Law)

1. Dimes v. Grand Junction Canal

2. Gullapalli Nageswara Rao v. A.P. SRTC

3. Mineral Development Ltd. v. State of Bihar

4. State of West Bengal v. Shivananda Pathak

  1. (a)A-I, B-III, C-II, D-IV
  2. (b)A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV✓
  3. (c)A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
  4. (d)A-III, B-I, C-IV, D-II
Answer & explanation

Answer: (b) A-II, B-III, C-I, D-IV

Explanation: These matches are based on the type of bias or judicial conduct interpreted and applied in the corresponding judgments.

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