Multiple Choice Questions on Public International Law for CLAT PG 2026

Q1. The principle of pacta sunt servanda means:

(A) Treaties bind only if convenient
(B) Treaties are binding upon the parties and must be performed in good faith
(C) Treaties can be revoked unilaterally
(D) Treaties bind only after ratification by all UN members

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: This is a core principle of treaty law under the Vienna Convention — agreements must be honored in good faith.

Q2. Under the UN Charter, the use of force by states is prohibited except:

(A) In any political dispute
(B) For self-defense or when authorized by Security Council
(C) For protection of economic interests abroad
(D) To enforce domestic law abroad

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Article 2(4) prohibits force, with exceptions under Article 51 (self-defense) and Chapter VII authorizations.

Q3. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has:

(A) Criminal jurisdiction over individuals
(B) Jurisdiction over disputes between states
(C) Jurisdiction over private corporations
(D) Advisory jurisdiction over domestic courts

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: The ICJ settles disputes between states and gives advisory opinions to UN bodies.

Q4. The doctrine of jus cogens refers to:

(A) Non-binding principles
(B) Peremptory norms from which no derogation is permitted
(C) Regional customs only
(D) Voluntary codes of conduct

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Jus cogens norms like prohibition of genocide and slavery override all conflicting treaties.

Q5. Recognition of a state can be:

(A) Only de facto
(B) Only de jure
(C) De facto or de jure
(D) Impossible without UN approval

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: Recognition may be provisional (de facto) or full legal recognition (de jure).

Q6. Under the law of the sea, the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) extends:

(A) 12 nautical miles
(B) 24 nautical miles
(C) 200 nautical miles
(D) Beyond continental shelf only

Correct Answer: (C)
Explanation: EEZ extends up to 200 nm from baselines, giving sovereign rights for resource use.

Q7. Diplomatic agents are immune from:

(A) All jurisdiction
(B) Civil and criminal jurisdiction of the receiving state, with limited exceptions
(C) Only criminal jurisdiction
(D) Tax laws of home country

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: Vienna Convention grants immunity from both civil and criminal jurisdiction, with exceptions like private immovable property disputes.

Q8. The principle of non-refoulement applies to:

(A) Diplomatic relations
(B) Refugees and asylum seekers
(C) Maritime boundaries
(D) State succession

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: It prohibits returning refugees to territories where their life or freedom would be threatened.

Q9. Under state responsibility, a breach of an international obligation:

(A) Must always involve armed force
(B) Requires reparations in the form of restitution, compensation, or satisfaction
(C) Can be excused if due to economic hardship
(D) Has no legal consequences

Correct Answer: (B)
Explanation: States must make full reparation for internationally wrongful acts through restitution, compensation, or satisfaction.

Q10. The concept of terra nullius means:

(A) Land belonging to no one
(B) Land owned by multiple states
(C) Disputed territory under UN control
(D) Land granted to indigenous peoples

Correct Answer: (A)
Explanation: It refers to territory not under sovereignty of any state, historically subject to occupation.