English - II : Previous Year Questions (2023)

PART – A

Q1. When was Internal Emergency imposed in India?

Ans. On 26 June 1975, the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi declared emergency.

Q2. Who was the architect of the Janta Party's victory according to Mr. Chagla?

Ans. Jayaprakash (JP) was the architect of the Janata party victory.

Q3. Write two characteristics of Bhulabhai Desai.

Ans. Bhulabhai Desai is described as an exceptionally eloquent and intelligent lawyer. Two important characteristics of Bhulabhai Desai were:

1. Brilliant Eloquence – He was a powerful speaker whose arguments in court were highly persuasive and impressive. His command over language and presentation made him one of the finest advocates of his time.
2. Sharp Analytical Mind – Bhulabhai Desai had an extraordinary ability to analyse complicated legal issues clearly and logically. His reasoning and interpretation of law were admired by judges and fellow lawyers alike.

Q4. When and from whom did Mr. Chagla take charge of the office of Chief Justice of Bombay High Court?

Ans. On August 15, 1947 M.C. Chagla took the charge of the office of Chief Justice of Bombay high court from Sir Leonard Stone.

Q5. Write two characteristics of Mr. Palkhivala.

Ans. Two primary characteristics of Nani Palkhivala are:

1. Exceptional Intellectual Speed: Chagla notes that Palkhivala possessed a "lightning-quick" mind, capable of grasping the most complex legal points almost instantaneously.
2. Unmatched Industry and Dedication: Despite his natural brilliance, he was incredibly industrious; Chagla famously remarked that while Palkhivala had enough intellect to succeed without hard work, he worked harder than anyone else.

Q6. Why did American opposed the celebration of Paul Robeson's 60th birthday in India?

Ans. Americans opposed the celebration of Paul Robeson’s 60th birthday in India because he was an outspoken supporter of Communism and the Soviet Union, leading the U.S. government to consider him a dangerous political figure during the Cold War.

Q7. Why did United Nations change the name of South-West Africa to Namibia?

Ans. The United Nations changed the name of South-West Africa to Namibia to end the colonial association of the old name and to recognize the territory’s separate national identity and right to independence.

Q8. How many permanent judges are there at International Court?

Ans. There are 15 permanent judges in the International Court.

Q9. What was Mr. Chagla's objective while writing a Judgement?

Ans. Chagla’s only object while writing a judgement was to be brief and to be clear, precise and lucid in whatever views he expressed.

Q10. Which are official languages of International Court?

Ans. English and French are the two languages, spoken in the international court.

PART – B

Q11. Explain the following terms:

1. Petite – Small or short in size; usually used for a woman or object.

Sentence: She wore a petite blue dress to the party.

2. Axiom – A statement accepted as true without proof.

Sentence: “Truth always triumphs” is considered an axiom by many people.

3. Synopsis – A brief summary or outline of a book, play, or report.

Sentence: The teacher asked the students to write a synopsis of the novel.

4. Suo loco – In one’s own place or position.

Sentence: The officer acted suo loco while making the decision.

Q12. Explain the following idioms:

• To burn midnight oil – To work or study late into the night.

Sentence: She burnt the midnight oil to prepare for her examinations.

            (A) At stake – In danger or at risk.

Sentence: His reputation was at stake during the inquiry.

            (B) To grease the palm – To bribe someone for personal benefit.

Sentence: The contractor tried to grease the palm of the officer to get approval quickly.

            (C) A snake in the grass – A deceitful or untrustworthy person who hides harmful intentions.

Sentence: He appeared friendly, but later everyone discovered that he was a snake in the grass.

Q13. Write two words using the following affixes:

1. Prefixes:

Under – underestimate, underground

Over – overcome, over-confidence

Semi – semi-final, semicircle

Hyper – hyperactive, hypertension

2. Suffixes:

or – actor, doctor

ful – hopeful, useful

age – marriage, storage

mony – testimony, matrimony

Q14. Write one word for the following sentences:

1. One appointed to settle dispute between two parties – Arbitrator
2. Exclusive right to publish a book – Copyright
3. Having boundless power – Omnipotent
4. That cannot be avoided – Inevitable

PART – C

Q15. Explain Mr. Chagla's experience at the Bar.

Ans. M.C. Chagla’s journey at the Bombay Bar, is a classic story of struggle, learning, and final success. When he returned to India in 1922 after studying at Oxford, he didn't have any clients or family connections in the legal world. He went through a long "briefless" period where he had no work. Instead of giving up, he treated the High Court like a classroom, sitting in the galleries to watch great lawyers like Sir Jamshedji Kanga and Mohammed Ali Jinnah. He believed that even if you don't have cases, you must remain "attached" to the court to learn the art of advocacy.

A major turning point in his early career was the sensational Trunk Murder Case. While many thought of Chagla as mainly a civil lawyer, this famous criminal case proved his skills to everyone. A man had been murdered, and his body was found packed in a trunk that was left in a taxi and later dumped in a well. Chagla represented the second accused person in the trial. Despite the "overwhelming evidence" and the gruesome nature of the crime, he managed to secure an acquittal for his client. This victory was a huge boost to his reputation and showed that he was a methodical lawyer who could handle high-pressure situations. In fact, the title of his book, Roses in December, comes from a moment after a murder trial when a grateful client brought him roses in the winter; a symbol of unexpected success.

Another key part of his experience was his time in Jinnah’s chambers. Chagla spent six years as Jinnah's junior, which he called a "truly transformative experience." He was fascinated by Jinnah's clear logic and "artistic" way of presenting a case. From Jinnah, he learned that a lawyer’s first duty is to his client, but he must never lose his dignity or suck up to the judges. This period taught him that the independence of the Bar is the most important thing in a democracy. He also worked on other big cases like the Meerut Conspiracy case, where he stood alongside legendary figures like Motilal Nehru.

Ultimately, Chagla’s time at the Bar wasn't just about winning cases; it was about building a character of integrity and hard work. He was known for being incredibly thorough and for his "quick grasp" of legal points. These years of hard practice at the Bombay High Court prepared him to eventually become a judge in 1941 and, later, the first Indian Chief Justice of that same court. His story shows that for a student of law, the Bar is a place where you develop the courage and discipline needed to serve the cause of justice for a lifetime.

Q16. Describe the attempt of assassination on M.C. Chagla.

Ans. One Saturday morning, while Chagla was working in his office at the Chief Justice’s residence, his chopdar informed him that a man from Dhulia had come urgently to meet him. The visitor had no prior appointment, but Chagla initially felt inclined to meet him, as he believed that a judge should remain accessible to the public and not appear detached from ordinary people.

However, before the meeting could take place, his daughter arrived home and noticed the visitor. She felt uneasy about his appearance and strongly advised her father not to meet him. Trusting her judgment, Chagla decided to refuse the meeting and instructed that the man should first obtain a proper appointment through his Secretary.

This refusal suddenly provoked the visitor. Without warning, he rushed aggressively towards the Chief Justice’s office. When the chopdar tried to stop him, the man pulled out a large knife and stabbed him. The situation immediately turned violent and chaotic. Chagla’s son and son-in-law also rushed forward to protect him and try to control the attacker, but the man attempted to attack them as well.

At that critical moment, two policemen stationed outside the residence intervened. Realising that the attacker could not be controlled safely by physical force alone, one of the policemen fired and shot him dead, thereby preventing further harm.

Subsequent investigations revealed that the attacker had no known connection with Chagla and no legal case involving him. His motive remained completely unknown, making the incident even more mysterious and disturbing.

Despite the shock and seriousness of the event, Chagla displayed remarkable courage and composure. He did not allow fear to affect him and, astonishingly, went to his club the same evening as if nothing had happened. This reflected his strong nerves, sense of duty, and calm temperament even in the face of danger.

Q17. Explain M.C. Chagla's views on Emergency.

Ans. M.C. Chagla describes the period of Internal Emergency declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi on 26 June 1975 as the “darkest hour” in Indian history. In his book ‘Roses in December’, he strongly criticizes the Emergency and considers it one of the gravest attacks on democracy and individual freedom in independent India. The Emergency lasted for about twenty months and, according to Chagla, brought fear, oppression, and injustice throughout the country.

Chagla believed that two important events led to the declaration of Emergency. The first was the victory of the Janata Party in the Gujarat elections, which weakened the political position of Mrs. Gandhi. The second was the judgment of the Allahabad High Court, which found Indira Gandhi guilty of corrupt electoral practices. According to Chagla, instead of resigning and respecting democratic traditions, she imposed the Emergency in order to retain power.

As soon as the Emergency was declared, opposition leaders were arrested during the night and thousands of political workers were imprisoned. Press censorship was imposed on an unprecedented scale, and citizens lost their fundamental freedoms. Chagla points out that Presidential Orders suspended important Fundamental Rights under Articles 14, 21, and 22 of the Constitution. Even the right to approach courts through writs such as habeas corpus was taken away.

Chagla writes that the country was suddenly covered with an atmosphere of fear and uncertainty. The names and whereabouts of detainees were often not disclosed, and people had no legal remedy against unlawful detention. According to him, “darkness swept over the country,” and the people were left without hope or freedom. He believed that there was actually no serious internal disturbance in the country that justified such drastic action.

Chagla was deeply disturbed by the misuse of constitutional powers during this period. He held Mrs. Gandhi mainly responsible for the suffering, injustice, and suppression faced by the people under the Emergency. He considered the entire period shameful for Indian democracy and felt that democratic institutions were weakened severely.

Even after the Emergency ended, Chagla observed that Indira Gandhi never openly admitted her mistake or expressed regret for the hardships caused to the people. Instead, she attempted to justify the Emergency and defend her actions. Chagla strongly disagreed with this attitude and believed that the people of India had suffered greatly because of authoritarian rule.

Thus, M.C. Chagla called the Emergency the “darkest hour” because it destroyed civil liberties, weakened democracy, suppressed freedom of expression, and created an atmosphere of fear and oppression in the country. In his view, it was one of the most painful and unfortunate periods in the history of independent India.

Q18. Write a resume in order to apply in a Legal Firm.

Ans.

GH-32, Sector -6

Chandigarh

8 May 2026

The Manager

ABC Legal Firm

Chandigarh

Subject: Application for the post of Legal Assistant

Sir/Madam,

In response to your advertisement in The Hindu, dated 7th May, 2026, for the post of Legal Assistant in your reputed legal firm, I wish to offer my candidature.

I have recently completed my LL.B. from Delhi University. I am a motivated and sincere law graduate seeking to apply my legal knowledge, research skills, and interest in legal drafting to contribute effectively to your esteemed organisation.

I hereby enclose my resume for your kind perusal.

Yours faithfully,

[XYZ]

RESUME

Name: XYZ

Father’s Name: PQR

Mother’s Name: UVW

Age: 23 Years

Address: GH-32, Sector-6, Chandigarh

Phone No.: xxxxxxx438

E-Mail: xyz@gmail.com

Nationality: Indian

Qualifications:

Experience: Internship of 3 months at Punjab & Haryana High Court, Chandigarh, where I assisted in legal research, case file preparation, and observation of court proceedings.