English - II : Previous Year Questions (2013)

PART - A

Q1. Who was Inverarity?

Ans. Inverarity was one of the most eminent lawyers of the Bombay High Court. Though he had no impressive personality or oratory skills, he was a highly astute advocate with a remarkable memory and deep knowledge of legal tricks. He was feared and respected for his command over law and facts, setting a high standard for the Bar.

Q2. How did MC Chagla feel on the first day when he entered the High Court Bar Library and Common Room?

Ans. He was very nervous; his heart palpitating and nerves were on the edge on the first day when he entered the High court bar library and common room. He wondered if any solicitor would choose a young junior like him among the many experienced, senior lawyers.

Q3. What attracted M.C. Chagla to Jinnah?

Ans. What attracted him to Jinnah was the force of his personality and more than that is sterling nationalism and patriotism. Mr. Chagla was impressed with the lucidity of his thoughts and expression. There were no obscure spots or ambiguities about what Jinnah had to tell the court. Jinnah was straight and forthright, and always left a strong impression whether his case was intrinsically good or bad.

Q4. To which post did Motilal Setalvad rise?

Ans. Motilal Chimanlal Setalvad rise to the post of first Attorney General of India.

Q5. A lawyer is bound to fight for his client, but what must the lawyer not forget?

Ans. A lawyer is bound to fight for his client but he must do so fairly without misleading the court, and without concealing from it anything as it is his duty to divulge.

Q6. From whom did M.C. Chagla take charge of the office of Chief Justice of Bombay High Court?

Ans. On August 15, 1947 Mr Chagla took the charge of the office of chief justice of Bombay High court from Sir Leonard Stone.

Q7. What is MC Chagla's views regarding the closing of courts when someone dies?

Ans. Mr Chagla never believed in closing court, government offices as a mark of respect for someone who has died. To his mind, the best way of honouring someone is to work harder than before. One may cancel parties and functions if they like but he did not understand why one should cease working because someone has passed away. He never supported the idea of closing the court when someone dies.

Q8. How should a Judgement be written?

Ans. A judgement should be written in brief and it should be clear, precise and lucid in whatever views expressed.

Q9. What was Pitts's views about charging money from capitalist clients?

Ans. Pritt was a communist, and practised the communist faith openly. Once, without any restraint, he replied, “I like to charge heavy fees to my capitalist clients, so that their capital should get less, and I can use the money to further the communist cause. I am now going to South Africa to defend some communists, and I will not a charge them any fee, because I have earned enough from my two capitalist clients.”

Q10. What was the game that both Morarji Desai an MC Chagla liked to play?

Ans. Bridge was the game that both Morarji Desai and MC Chagla liked to play.

PART – B

Q11. Describe M.C. Chagla as a man and as a judge.

Ans. M. C. Chagla was both a distinguished jurist and an exceptional human being.

As a judge, he was known for his strong principles, judicial restraint, and deep commitment to justice. He believed in interpreting law in a fair and balanced manner and tried to derive the maximum justice from the existing legal provisions without overstepping his role. He was never an activist judge; instead, he maintained dignity and discipline in his judgments. His three main concerns were justice between individuals and the State, national integration, and the protection of basic human freedoms. He remained free from political influence and focused solely on delivering impartial justice.

As a person, Chagla was modest, kind, and affectionate. He had intellectual humility and never claimed infallibility, readily accepting his mistakes. He treated arguments with respect, regardless of who presented them, and encouraged young lawyers in his court. He maintained cordial relations with colleagues and avoided conflicts in his professional life. Above all, he was a great human being, admired for his grace, integrity, and humane approach.

Nani Palhiwala described him as, “A great judge, A great citizen, and, above all, a great human being”.

Q12. Describe the attempt on the life of M.C. Chagla.

Ans. M.C. Chagla was one of the few Chief Justices who faced an attempt on his life during his tenure as the Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court. The incident took place on a Saturday morning when he was working in his office at the Chief Justice House. Around 11 a.m., his chopdar informed him that a man from Dhulia wished to meet him urgently. Although the man had no appointment, Chagla initially considered seeing him because he believed that judges should remain accessible to the public.

However, Chagla’s daughter, who had just returned home, strongly objected to the meeting. She told her father that she did not like the appearance of the visitor and requested him not to meet him. Influenced by her concern, Chagla decided not to grant the audience and instead asked the man to contact his Secretary and take a proper appointment.

On being refused entry, the man suddenly rushed toward Chagla’s office. When the chopdar tried to stop him, the attacker pulled out a large knife and stabbed him. Chagla’s son and son-in-law also came to the scene, and the attacker attempted to assault them as well. Fortunately, two policemen stationed outside the residence rushed in. Since the attacker could not be controlled safely, one of the policemen shot him dead.

Later investigations failed to discover any clear motive behind the attack, as the man had no known connection or litigation involving Chagla. The incident spread shock throughout the city, but Chagla remained calm and fearless. Remarkably, the same evening he went to his club as usual, showing his courage and composure even after such a dangerous incident.

Q13. Write in 4 or 5 lines why you have joined this course.

Ans. To be answered in your own words.

Q14. Fill in the blanks using the words given below: Private, exception, public, interest.

1. I made one ___ to this rule.
2. I have a right to live my own ___ life.
3. I should take a live ___ in the contemporary scene.
4. The ___ of Bombay was also very kind to me.

Ans.

1. exception
2. private
3. interest
4. public

PART – C

Q15. Explain the meaning of the following words and use them in sentences of your own:

1. petite – Having a small, trim figure, usually used for women.

Sentence: She was a petite girl with a graceful personality.

2. en route – On the way to or from somewhere.

Sentence: We stopped for tea en route to Shimla.

3. ad initium – Against a person’s will.

Sentence: The agreement was clear ad initium and left no confusion.

4. en masse – All together and at the same time, in large numbers.

Sentence: The students entered the auditorium en masse.

5. post script – Any written or spoken addition to something already finished / a short remark or message added to the bottom of a letter after we have signed our name.

Sentence: In the post script, he invited me to visit his home.

6. vis-à-vis – Compared with / In relation to.

Sentence: The new policy was discussed vis-à-vis the old rules.

7. judicature – Administration of justice as by judges or courts.

Sentence: The Indian judicature plays an important role in protecting rights.

8. synopsis – A summary giving a general view of the whole.

Sentence: The teacher asked the students to prepare a synopsis of the chapter.

Q16. Describe M.C. Chagla's involvement in the general life of the people of Maharashtra.

Ans. M. C. Chagla’s involvement in the general life of the people of Maharashtra was deep, balanced, and highly meaningful. In his autobiography Roses in December, he explains that although he occupied the high office of Chief Justice, he never believed that a judge should completely cut himself off from society. According to him, a judge could preserve judicial dignity and independence while still remaining connected with the people and understanding their problems, aspirations, and culture.

Chagla took an active interest in the social, educational, literary, and cultural life of Maharashtra, especially Bombay. He attended public functions, educational conferences, literary meetings, and social gatherings. He interacted with people from different professions and communities and maintained close contact with intellectuals, teachers, lawyers, students, and public figures. He believed that this association enriched his understanding of human nature and social realities, which in turn helped him in the administration of justice.

He particularly loved Bombay and often expressed his gratitude towards its people. In Roses in December, he writes that the public of Bombay treated him with exceptional affection, respect, and kindness. Even though he held an important judicial office, he remained approachable and humane in his dealings with ordinary people. He enjoyed the cosmopolitan culture of Bombay and appreciated Maharashtra’s spirit of tolerance, learning, and public life.

Chagla also believed strongly in secularism and national integration. Maharashtra during his time witnessed important political and social developments, and Chagla consistently promoted communal harmony and unity among different communities. Being a Muslim himself, he firmly believed that religion should never divide Indians. Through his speeches and public participation, he emphasized the ideals of nationalism, democracy, and equal citizenship. He considered himself first and foremost an Indian and encouraged others to rise above communal divisions.

His participation in public life extended to educational and cultural institutions as well. He encouraged learning, intellectual discussions, and the growth of liberal values in society. He was frequently invited to deliver speeches because of his clarity of thought, eloquence, and broad outlook. His speeches reflected wisdom, moderation, and deep concern for the moral and cultural development of society.

At the same time, Chagla was careful not to compromise the dignity or impartiality of his office. He clearly distinguished between social involvement and political activity. He avoided party politics and never allowed his public associations to influence his judicial decisions. He believed that while a judge should not become politically active, complete isolation from society was neither desirable nor practical. According to him, a judge who understood society better would also dispense justice more effectively.

Chagla’s personal qualities further strengthened his connection with the people of Maharashtra. He was cultured, courteous, modest, and warm-hearted. He mixed easily with people and earned affection wherever he went. His love for literature, conversation, public life, and intellectual exchange made him a respected public figure beyond the courtroom.

Thus, M. C. Chagla’s involvement in the general life of the people of Maharashtra reflected his broad vision of judicial responsibility. He successfully combined the dignity of a judge with active participation in the social and cultural life of society. Through his public service, speeches, and personal conduct, he became not only a great judge but also a respected citizen and humanist who remained closely connected with the people of Maharashtra.

Q17. Write a report about your visit to a historical place OR Write a report about an accident that you witnessed.

Ans.

My Visit to Red Fort – A Historical Place

By: XYZ

Last week, the Education Society of our college organized an educational tour to the famous Red Fort in Delhi. It was a one-day trip, and around 65 students participated in it. We were very excited to visit this historic monument, which is closely connected with India’s rich heritage and freedom struggle.

We reached the Red Fort at about 10:30 a.m. The fort is situated in the heart of Delhi and is one of the most important historical monuments in India. It was built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan in 1639 and took nearly ten years to complete. For about 200 years, it served as the main residence of the Mughal emperors until the Revolt of 1857.

The Red Fort is a magnificent example of Mughal architecture. Its huge red sandstone walls, beautiful gardens, and artistic buildings reflect a blend of Persian, Islamic, and Indian architectural styles. We visited important parts of the fort such as the Diwan-e-Aam, Diwan-e-Khas, Rang Mahal, and the museum, which was once known as Mumtaz Mahal. Every corner of the fort seemed to narrate stories of royal grandeur and India’s struggle for freedom. Every year on 15th August, the Prime Minister of India unfurls the national flag at the Red Fort and addresses the nation from there.

After exploring the fort, we had lunch at a small eatery nearby. Later, we spent some time shopping outside the fort before beginning our return journey.

The visit was both enjoyable and educational. It increased our knowledge of Indian history, culture, and architecture. Overall, it was a memorable experience that we will cherish for a long time.

OR

Jaipur, 12 March 2026: On 12th March, while I was going to my sister’s house on the occasion of Rakshabandhan, I witnessed a tragic road accident on the highway. A bus and a truck collided head-on due to the high speed of both vehicles. The accident was horrifying and created panic among the people present there.

The bus was carrying many passengers, while the truck was loaded with heavy goods. As soon as the collision occurred, the bus lost balance and overturned on the road. Six passengers, most of them elderly people, died on the spot. Many others suffered serious injuries. Some passengers received head injuries, while others had fractures and internal injuries. The local people immediately rushed to help the victims and took the injured to a nearby hospital.

The scene of the accident was extremely painful. Two passengers were trapped under the overturned bus, and one person lost a hand in the accident. At the same time, the truck caught fire because of the collision, and the goods loaded in it started burning rapidly. People tried their best to control the fire, but the flames continued to spread. Meanwhile, the truck driver was nowhere to be seen.

After a short while, the truck suddenly exploded, forcing everyone to move away from the vehicles. Soon, the police arrived at the spot and began investigating the incident. The officers questioned the eyewitnesses and noted down all the details. A JCB machine was called to lift the overturned bus, and both vehicles were taken into police custody. The police also identified the deceased persons and informed their family members about the tragedy.

The accident was shocking and heart-breaking. It clearly showed the dangers of careless and overspeed driving. The incident left a deep impact on my mind and reminded me of the importance of following traffic rules and driving responsibly.

Q18. Discuss the experiences of M.C. Chagla at the International Court.

Ans. M. C. Chagla was appointed as an ad hoc judge of the International Court of Justice at The Hague in September 1957. He served in a case involving Portugal, which claimed the right of passage through Indian territory to maintain communication between its mainland territory of Daman and its enclaves of Dadra and Nagar Haveli.

Chagla describes the International Court of Justice as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. He observed that international law was still in the process of development, and although certain principles had been established by the United Nations and its International Law Commission, they were still evolving. These principles, according to him, formed a body of rules that nations were expected to follow in international relations.

He found the system of appointing judges to the International Court to be somewhat political in nature. In particular, he was critical of the system of electing judges and felt that it did not fully ensure judicial independence. He suggested that one important reform would be to appoint judges for a fixed term without allowing them to seek re-election, which would help maintain impartiality.

Chagla also described the Peace Palace at The Hague, where the International Court is housed. He admired its international character and dignity, which reflected the idea of global justice.

However, he was not fully satisfied with the working procedure of the Court. According to him, the procedure was extremely slow, complicated, and highly formal. The hearings began in open court, where advocates from different countries presented their arguments in English or French. Every statement had to be translated into the other language, making the process time-consuming. He felt that during translations, judges often had little productive work to do.

He further observed that the process of preparing judgments was even slower, involving lengthy private sessions and formal discussions. He described the entire procedure as overly ritualistic and cumbersome, which affected the efficiency of justice delivery.

During his tenure, he came into contact with several distinguished judges, including the President of the Court Hackworth, Vice-President Badawi, Guerrero of El Salvador, Basdevant of France, and Sir Muhammad Zafrullah Khan of Pakistan. He also developed friendly relations with some judges such as Zoričić of Yugoslavia and Armand Ugo of Uruguay. They often met informally after court sessions and shared moments of friendship.

Initially, Chagla was hesitant to accept the offer of becoming an ad hoc judge. When asked by Jawaharlal Nehru, he expressed that he did not wish to “be buried alive at The Hague,” as he felt the work would be slow and restrictive.

Despite his criticism of the system, he also had meaningful experiences. He appeared before the International Court later as counsel for India in a case related to the action taken by the United Nations against South Africa. He considered it a great honour and privilege to represent India in a matter of international importance and moral significance.

Overall, Chagla’s experience at the International Court was both intellectually enriching and personally revealing. While he appreciated its dignity and global importance, he was critical of its slow procedures and political elements in judicial appointments.