Stepping into the world of civil services exams like UPSC and GPSC requires a comprehensive understanding of the legal framework that underpins our society.
The Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989 stands as a shield against discrimination and injustice faced by marginalized communities.
To aid your exam preparation, we’ve assembled a potent resource – meticulously crafted multiple-choice questions (MCQs) on this pivotal act.
Whether you’re aiming for the national stage of UPSC or the state level of GPSC, these MCQs offer a dynamic way to refine your grasp of the act’s key provisions.
From historical context to enforcement intricacies, these questions span the spectrum, priming you for well-rounded exam readiness.
As you delve into these MCQs, you’re not just absorbing information – you’re equipping yourself with the knowledge to champion social justice and empower marginalized groups.
Sample MCQs: ST Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989 for UPSC, GPSC
Let these questions be your guide as you navigate the legal labyrinth and hone your understanding of the Scheduled Tribes Prevention of Atrocities Act 1989.
Question 1:
What is the primary objective of the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989?
- a) To provide reservation in educational institutions for Scheduled Tribes
- b) To prevent atrocities and discrimination against Scheduled Tribes
- c) To promote economic development among Scheduled Tribes
- d) To establish autonomous administrative bodies for Scheduled Tribes
Answer: b) To prevent atrocities and discrimination against Scheduled Tribes
Question 2: Which year was the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act enacted in India?
- a) 1972
- b) 1989
- c) 1993
- d) 2001
Answer: b) 1989
Question 3: Under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, which of the following is considered an “atrocity”?
- a) A civil dispute between two individuals from different communities
- b) A political disagreement within a Scheduled Tribe community
- c) Forcing a member of a Scheduled Tribe to perform forced labor
- d) A cultural disagreement between different communities
Answer: c) Forcing a member of a Scheduled Tribe to perform forced labor
Question 4: Who is authorized to investigate and prosecute cases under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act?
- a) Only the local police
- b) Only the tribal leaders
- c) Special Courts and designated Public Prosecutors
- d) State Legislative Assemblies
Answer: c) Special Courts and designated Public Prosecutors
Question 5: What is the role of the Special Courts under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act?
- a) They provide financial compensation to victims of atrocities
- b) They oversee the implementation of reservation policies
- c) They are responsible for the speedy trial of cases and delivering judgments related to atrocities against Scheduled Tribes
- d) They mediate disputes between different communities
Answer: c) They are responsible for the speedy trial of cases and delivering judgments related to atrocities against Scheduled Tribes
Question 6: Which government body is responsible for the implementation and monitoring of the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act?
- a) National Human Rights Commission
- b) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
- c) National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
- d) National Crime Records Bureau
Answer: c) National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
Question 7: According to the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, what is the responsibility of public servants in cases of atrocities against Scheduled Tribes?
- a) They are exempt from any involvement in such cases
- b) They are responsible for resolving cases through arbitration
- c) They are required to report such cases to the appropriate authorities and assist in the investigation
- d) They can only intervene if the case involves political motivations
Answer: c) They are required to report such cases to the appropriate authorities and assist in the investigation
Question 8: Which amendment expanded the scope of the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to include new offenses and provisions?
- a) 73rd Amendment
- b) 86th Amendment
- c) 103rd Amendment
- d) 124th Amendment
Answer: c) 103rd Amendment
Question 9: What is the provision for anticipatory bail under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act?
- a) Anticipatory bail is not allowed under this act
- b) Only government officials are eligible for anticipatory bail
- c) Any accused person is eligible for anticipatory bail
- d) Anticipatory bail is only allowed for non-Scheduled Tribe individuals
Answer: a) Anticipatory bail is not allowed under this act
Question 10: How does the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act aim to empower Scheduled Tribe communities?
- a) By providing direct financial aid to each member of a Scheduled Tribe
- b) By establishing separate administrative bodies for Scheduled Tribes
- c) By ensuring equal representation of Scheduled Tribes in all government offices
- d) By preventing discrimination, atrocities, and ensuring speedy justice for offenses against Scheduled Tribes
Answer: d) By preventing discrimination, atrocities, and ensuring speedy justice for offenses against Scheduled Tribes
Question 11: In the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, the term “Scheduled Tribes” refers to:
- a) Specific tribal groups mentioned in the Act
- b) Any indigenous community in India
- c) Tribes listed in the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950
- d) Ethnic minorities residing in tribal areas
Answer: c) Tribes listed in the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950
Question 12: What is the punishment prescribed for an offender convicted under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act for committing an offense of atrocities?
- a) Imprisonment for up to 5 years
- b) Fine as determined by the court
- c) Both imprisonment and fine as determined by the court
- d) Community service for a specified period
Answer: c) Both imprisonment and fine as determined by the court
Question 13: Who can file a complaint under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act?
- a) Only the victim of the atrocity
- b) Any person belonging to a Scheduled Tribe
- c) Only a government official
- d) Only the local police
Answer: b) Any person belonging to a Scheduled Tribe
Question 14: Which of the following is not a crime listed under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act?
- a) Wrongfully occupying land belonging to a Scheduled Tribe member
- b) Forcing a Scheduled Tribe person to leave their house
- c) Assault or sexual exploitation of a Scheduled Tribe woman
- d) Offering assistance to a Scheduled Tribe person in need
Answer: d) Offering assistance to a Scheduled Tribe person in need
Question 15: What is the time limit for the completion of the investigation under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act?
- a) 30 days
- b) 60 days
- c) 90 days
- d) 180 days
Answer: c) 90 days
Question 16: Under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, how is the compensation determined for victims of atrocities?
- a) The victim’s family decides the compensation amount
- b) It is based on the financial status of the accused
- c) The court determines the compensation amount based on the nature of the atrocity and loss suffered
- d) Compensation is not provided under this Act
Answer: c) The court determines the compensation amount based on the nature of the atrocity and loss suffered
Question 17: The Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act provides protection against atrocities committed by:
- a) Scheduled Tribe members only
- b) Government officials only
- c) Non-Scheduled Tribe members only
- d) Both Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Tribe members
Answer: d) Both Scheduled and Non-Scheduled Tribe members
Question 18: Which body is responsible for the review of implementation of the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act?
- a) Ministry of Tribal Affairs
- b) National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
- c) Supreme Court of India
- d) Scheduled Tribe Welfare Associations
Answer: b) National Commission for Scheduled Tribes
Question 19: The Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act prohibits the eviction of Scheduled Tribe members from their residences without a valid reason. What is this provision called?
- a) Right to Residence
- b) Home Protection Directive
- c) Dwelling Security Clause
- d) Eviction Prevention Order
Answer: a) Right to Residence
Question 20: What is the term used to describe an act committed to prevent Scheduled Tribe individuals from exercising their traditional rights over land and resources?
- a) Land Abandonment
- b) Land Usurpation
- c) Land Encroachment
- d) Land Alienation
Answer: d) Land Alienation
Question 21: According to the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, what is the term for a public servant who neglects their duties in relation to atrocities against Scheduled Tribes?
- a) Defaulter Officer
- b) Guilty Official
- c) Erring Public Servant
- d) Negligent Officer
Answer: c) Erring Public Servant
Question 22: The Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act designates offenses as “cognizable.” What does this mean?
- a) Offenses can only be tried in tribal courts
- b) Offenses can be tried only in special courts
- c) Police can arrest without a warrant and start an investigation without court permission
- d) Police cannot arrest without a warrant in such cases
Answer: c) Police can arrest without a warrant and start an investigation without court permission
Question 23: What does the term “atrocity” refer to under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act?
- a) Violent crime committed against anyone
- b) Violent crime committed against a Scheduled Tribe member due to their identity
- c) Violent crime committed by a Scheduled Tribe member
- d) Violent crime committed in tribal areas
Answer: b) Violent crime committed against a Scheduled Tribe member due to their identity
Question 24: Which constitutional article empowers the Parliament of India to enact laws for the protection of Scheduled Tribes?
- a) Article 14
- b) Article 21
- c) Article 46
- d) Article 338-A
Answer: d) Article 338-A
Question 25: Who appoints the Special Public Prosecutor for cases under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act?
- a) State Government
- b) Central Government
- c) National Human Rights Commission
- d) Scheduled Tribe Welfare Organizations
Answer: a) State Government
Question 26: The Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act mandates the establishment of special courts. What is the purpose of these courts?
- a) To fast-track cases of atrocities against Scheduled Tribes
- b) To deal with land disputes among Scheduled Tribes
- c) To provide political representation for Scheduled Tribes
- d) To handle cases of economic offenses
Answer: a) To fast-track cases of atrocities against Scheduled Tribes
Question 27: What is the minimum punishment for the offense of intentionally insulting or intimidating with intent to humiliate a member of a Scheduled Tribe?
- a) Up to 3 years of imprisonment
- b) Up to 6 months of imprisonment
- c) Up to 1 year of imprisonment
- d) Up to 5 years of imprisonment
Answer: a) Up to 3 years of imprisonment
Question 28: According to the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, what is the role of a “Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Protection Officer”?
- a) To mediate disputes between different tribes
- b) To provide financial assistance to Scheduled Tribes
- c) To ensure the implementation of the Act and protect the rights of Scheduled Tribes
- d) To represent Scheduled Tribes in political discussions
Answer: c) To ensure the implementation of the Act and protect the rights of Scheduled Tribes
Question 29: The Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act extends protection to both individuals and groups of Scheduled Tribes. True or False?
Answer: True
Question 30: Which amendment expanded the scope of the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act to include new offenses like social and economic boycotts?
- a) 73rd Amendment
- b) 86th Amendment
- c) 95th Amendment
- d) 103rd Amendment
Answer: d) 103rd Amendment
Question 31: Under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, who is a “Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Protection Officer”?
- a) A government official responsible for protecting tribal artifacts
- b) A police officer appointed to investigate tribal crimes
- c) A designated officer to provide support and assistance to Scheduled Tribes
- d) A tribal leader responsible for community development
Answer: c) A designated officer to provide support and assistance to Scheduled Tribes
Question 32: Which provision of the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act specifically addresses false complaints?
- a) Section 3
- b) Section 4
- c) Section 5
- d) Section 18
Answer: d) Section 18
Question 33: What does the term “untouchability” refer to under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act?
- a) Segregation of communities in public spaces
- b) Discrimination based on social status
- c) Forced labor imposed on Scheduled Tribes
- d) Barriers to accessing education
Answer: b) Discrimination based on social status
Question 34: According to the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, who can provide relief and rehabilitation to the victims and their families?
- a) Local Panchayats
- b) State Government
- c) Central Government
- d) National Human Rights Commission
Answer: b) State Government
Question 35: Under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, what is the punishment for knowingly giving false information to a public servant in order to falsely implicate a Scheduled Tribe person?
- a) Fine only
- b) Imprisonment up to 3 years
- c) Imprisonment up to 6 months
- d) Imprisonment up to 1 year
Answer: c) Imprisonment up to 6 months
Question 36: What is the term used to describe offenses that are committed “on the ground of being a Scheduled Tribe” as per the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act?
- a) Caste-based offenses
- b) Identity-based offenses
- c) Tribal offenses
- d) Community offenses
Answer: b) Identity-based offenses
Question 37: According to the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, what is the punishment for compelling a Scheduled Tribe person to do beggary or other similar forms of forced labor?
- a) Imprisonment up to 1 year
- b) Imprisonment up to 5 years
- c) Imprisonment up to 3 years
- d) Imprisonment up to 6 months
Answer: b) Imprisonment up to 5 years
Question 38: What is the provision of relief and rehabilitation under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act?
- a) Compensation for the victim only
- b) Compensation for the accused only
- c) Compensation for both the victim and the accused
- d) Legal expenses for the accused
Answer: a) Compensation for the victim only
Question 39: The Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act is applicable in which regions of India?
- a) Tribal areas only
- b) Urban areas only
- c) Scheduled areas only
- d) Throughout India
Answer: d) Throughout India
Question 40: What does the term “Scheduled Area” refer to in the context of the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act?
- a) Regions with a high population of Scheduled Tribes
- b) Areas with strict regulations on economic activities
- c) Geographical areas where certain tribes reside
- d) Areas listed in the Constitution (Scheduled Areas) Order
Answer: d) Areas listed in the Constitution (Scheduled Areas) Order
Question 41: What is the term used to describe offenses that are punishable under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and also under the Indian Penal Code (IPC)?
- a) Dual Offenses
- b) Concurrent Offenses
- c) Overlapping Offenses
- d) Similar Offenses
Answer: b) Concurrent Offenses
Question 42: In which year was the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act passed?
- a) 1995
- b) 2005
- c) 2015
- d) 2020
Answer: d) 2020
Question 43: What is the term used to describe cases where the accused is a public servant and the offense is committed under the color of their official duties?
- a) Official Offenses
- b) Cognizable Offenses
- c) Custodial Offenses
- d) Aggravated Offenses
Answer: c) Custodial Offenses
Question 44: Which of the following is not a duty of a “Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribe Protection Officer”?
- a) Recording complaints of atrocities
- b) Ensuring that the accused is released on bail
- c) Informing victims about their rights
- d) Providing assistance to victims for their rehabilitation
Answer: b) Ensuring that the accused is released on bail
Question 45: What is the term used to describe offenses that are punishable under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and also under the Protection of Civil Rights Act, 1955?
- a) Parallel Offenses
- b) Similar Offenses
- c) Allied Offenses
- d) Linked Offenses
Answer: a) Parallel Offenses
Question 46: Under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, what is the punishment for intentionally touching a Scheduled Tribe woman against her will?
- a) Fine only
- b) Imprisonment up to 1 year
- c) Imprisonment up to 5 years
- d) Imprisonment up to 10 years
Answer: b) Imprisonment up to 1 year
Question 47: Which constitutional article is related to the establishment of a National Commission for Scheduled Tribes?
- a) Article 338
- b) Article 339
- c) Article 340
- d) Article 342
Answer: a) Article 338
Question 48: According to the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, what is the punishment for compelling a Scheduled Tribe person to dispose of human waste or carcasses?
- a) Imprisonment up to 1 year
- b) Imprisonment up to 5 years
- c) Imprisonment up to 10 years
- d) Fine as determined by the court
Answer: c) Imprisonment up to 10 years
Question 49: What is the term used to describe offenses that are punishable under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and also under the Bonded Labor System (Abolition) Act, 1976?
- a) Slave Labor Offenses
- b) Labor Exploitation Offenses
- c) Bonded Labor Offenses
- d) Forced Labor Offenses
Answer: c) Bonded Labor Offenses
Question 50: Under the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, what is the punishment for obstructing a Scheduled Tribe person from entering any place of worship?
- a) Fine only
- b) Imprisonment up to 3 months
- c) Imprisonment up to 6 months
- d) Imprisonment up to 1 year
Answer: b) Imprisonment up to 3 months
Hope all questions will help you understand the topic in better way.