MCQs for CLAT PG 2026- Administrative Law

Q1. Which writ can be issued against a private person?

(A) Mandamus
(B) Certiorari
(C) Quo Warranto
(D) Habeas Corpus

Correct Answer: (D)
Explanation: Habeas Corpus can be issued against any person who illegally detains another, even a private individual.

Q2. Cancelling a license without hearing the holder violates:

(A) Doctrine of Eclipse
(B) Natural Justice – audi alteram partem
(C) Res judicata
(D) Public trust doctrine

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Denying a hearing breaches the rule that no one should be condemned unheard.

Q3. Writ of Prohibition is issued to:

(A) Stop an authority from acting beyond jurisdiction
(B) Quash an already passed order
(C) Command a duty performance
(D) Remove a person from public office

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Prohibition prevents lower courts or tribunals from exceeding jurisdiction before the final decision.

Q4. The doctrine of “ultra vires” is used to:

(A) Test constitutionality of Acts
(B) Strike down acts beyond statutory authority
(C) Remove a judge for misconduct
(D) Limit judicial review

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: It invalidates administrative acts or delegated legislation exceeding conferred powers.

Q5. Arbitrary use of discretionary power is struck down for:

(A) Procedural ultra vires
(B) Wednesbury unreasonableness
(C) Nemo judex principle
(D) Res ipsa loquitur

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: A decision so unreasonable no reasonable authority would make it can be quashed for irrationality.

Q6. Doctrine of legitimate expectation arises when:

(A) A promise is made in writing
(B) A legal right is created
(C) Consistent past practice or promise creates an expectation
(D) Public opinion supports it

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: It protects expectations from consistent practice or express assurance, subject to fairness.

Q7. Failure to follow mandatory rule-making procedure results in:

(A) Mere irregularity
(B) Procedural ultra vires
(C) Substantive ultra vires only
(D) Policy violation

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Non-compliance with statutory procedure renders delegated legislation invalid.

Q8. Quo Warranto challenges:

(A) Abuse of power
(B) Illegal occupation of public office
(C) Private property disputes
(D) Tax assessments

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: It questions the authority of a person holding a public office without legal qualification.

Q9. Absence of reasons in a tribunal’s decision may be struck down as:

(A) Bias
(B) Breach of natural justice
(C) Lack of jurisdiction
(D) Delegated legislation defect

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Giving reasons ensures fairness and enables judicial review; absence can render the order arbitrary.

Q10. Blanket refusal to exercise discretion is:

(A) Fettering of discretion
(B) Sub-delegation
(C) Bias
(D) Proportionality

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: Discretion must be exercised case-by-case; rigid refusal or fixed policy is unlawful fettering.