Paper II

Public International Law — question papers

Syllabus topics

Question papers

April/May 2022 · 16 questions
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August/September 2021 · 14 questions
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December 2020 · 16 questions
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July/August 2019 · 16 questions
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August 2018 · 8 questions
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May/June 2017 · 16 questions
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May/June 2016 · 16 questions
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January/February (5-YDC) 2015 · 16 questions
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May/June 2015 · 8 questions
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August/September 2013 · 6 questions
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August/September (5-YDC) 2013 · 16 questions
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February/March (5-YDC) 2013 · 16 questions
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July/August 2012 · 12 questions
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Questions by frequency and marks

Same question across years counts once; frequency is how many papers it appears in.

Marks Question Years Frequency
6 Jus cogens. 2020, 2019, 2018, 2015 4×
6 Pacta Sunt Servanda. 2022, 2020, 2013 4×
6 Continental Shelf. 2018, 2015, 2012 3×
6 Five Freedoms of Air. 2015, 2013, 2012 3×
6 Freedoms of the high seas. 2017, 2016, 2015 3×
6 State succession. 2021, 2018, 2015 3×
6 Custom as a Source of International Law. 2018, 2012 2×
6 De facto recognition. 2021, 2013 2×
6 Extradition. 2013, 2012 2×
6 Functions, composition and jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court. 2022, 2015 2×
6 ICJ. 2018, 2015 2×
6 Jurisdiction of ICJ. 2021, 2016 2×
6 Modes of acquiring state territory. 2016, 2015 2×
6 Monism. 2018, 2015 2×
6 Nationality. 2019, 2013 2×
6 Outer Space Treaty. 2016, 2013 2×
6 Principles of the U.N. 2013 2×
6 State Recognition. 2016, 2012 2×
6 Sources of International Law. 2022, 2016 2×
6 UNESCO. 2017, 2016 2×
10 'X', a diplomatic agent, purchased a plot of land for his personal use but did not pay the purchase money to the seller. Examine the liability of the diplomatic agent under International Law. 2016, 2013 2×
10 A diplomatic envoy purchased a plot of land for his personal use but paid only half of the value and did not pay the balance amount. Discuss his liability under international law. 2021, 2013 2×
15 Discuss the various sources of International Law. 2020, 2015 2×
6 Asylum. 2019 1×
6 Basis of International Law. 2017 1×
6 Clean Slate Theory. 2013 1×
6 Codification of International Law. 2015 1×
6 Common Heritage of Mankind. 2022 1×
6 Contiguous Belt. 2019 1×
6 Custom. 2019 1×
6 De Jure Recognition. 2013 1×
6 Delaratory theory of recognition. 2020 1×
6 Diplomatic Immunity. 2022 1×
6 Double Nationality. 2017 1×
6 Duties of a Diplomatic Envoy. 2013 1×
6 ECOSOC. 2013 1×
6 EEZ. 2020 1×
6 Ex acquo et bono. 2020 1×
6 Extraterritorial Asylum. 2013 1×
6 Formation of International Treaties. 2016 1×
6 Formation and termination of international treaties. 2015 1×
6 Freedom of air space. 2021 1×
6 Hugo Grotius. 2019 1×
6 Innocent Passage. 2013 1×
6 International Criminal Court. 2013 1×
6 International Custom. 2017 1×
6 Law making Treaties. 2022 1×
6 Legal effects of recognition. 2017 1×
6 Legal Regime of outer space. 2015 1×
6 The methods of termination of Treaties. 2015 1×
6 Non-Intervention. 2020 1×
6 Opinion juris. 2021 1×
6 Oppenheim's definition of International Law. 2022 1×
6 Partial Succession. 2013 1×
6 Piracy. 2019 1×
6 Plebiscite. 2013 1×
6 Prescription. 2013 1×
6 Relationship between International Law and Municipal Law. 2015 1×
6 State Responsibility. 2017 1×
6 Sanctions in International Law. 2019 1×
6 Security Council. 2012 1×
6 Sovereign equality of states. 2020 1×
6 Specialized Agencies. 2012 1×
6 Specific Adoption Theory. 2013 1×
6 Statelessness. 2018 1×
6 Stimson Doctrine. 2022 1×
6 Termination of Treaties. 2013 1×
6 Territorial sea. 2018 1×
6 Theory of Monism. 2012 1×
6 UNCTAD. 2013 1×
6 Unispace. 2017 1×
6 Veto. 2020 1×
6 WHO. 2021 1×
6 World Trade Organisation (WTO). 2015 1×
6 W.T.O. 2015 1×
10 'A', an armed forces officer of State 'X', sold confidential information to foreign agents and escaped to State 'Y'. Inspite of an extradition treaty between 'X' and 'Y' State, 'Y' state refused to extradite 'A' to 'X'. Discuss the legal position of extradition in the above case. 2016 1×
10 A British ship of Canadian registry was sunk by a U.S. Coast Guard Vessel which was engaged in suppressing the smuggling of alcoholic liquor in the U.S. It was sunk on the high seas after a hot pursuit, as provided for in the liquor treaty between U.K. and the U.S. Explain. 2013 1×
10 British warships fired on a smuggling ship within the territory of Albania, resulting in damage to the ship. British ships also suffered loss and damage due to mines laid in the territorial waters of Albania, with loss of lives of some persons. British ships removed the mines and explosives from the said position without seeking permission of the Albanian Government. Albania protested. 2013 1×
10 A dictator came into power by overthrowing the elected government and requested other states to recognize him as head of the state. When they refused to recognize him, the dictator wants to file a case in the ICJ. Will the ICJ entertain such an application? State reasons. 2015 1×
10 The diplomat of state 'A' was arrested; he claims diplomatic immunity. Can he succeed? [Note: the fact pattern preceding this question was not fully legible in the source photograph.]. 2020 1×
10 The diplomat of state 'A' was supplying weapons to a banned outfit in violation of local laws in state 'B'. When he was in the court, he claims diplomatic immunity. Can he succeed? 2017 1×
10 A diplomatic agent committed a traffic offence. Can the local court try him in the state where he is functioning? 2012 1×
10 'B', a diplomatic agent from India, travels to Russia to negotiate a treaty. During his stay in Russia he commits a traffic violation. Can 'B' be made liable for his offence? 2022 1×
10 In a dispute between state 'A' and state 'B' over an Island 'C', state 'A' claims the title to it on the basis that state 'X' had discovered that Island first and it sold the same to state 'A'. But state 'B' argues that the Island is in its continuous peaceful possession for more than 70 years and hence it had right over it. Decide. 2020 1×
10 Due to the negligence of state X, a chemical factory leaked lethal gas due to which two nationals of the neighbouring state Y died. After many years of acquiescence, is X liable? 2012 1×
10 A Foreigner 'F' residing in state 'K' is killed in mob violence. Discuss it, and to what extent the state K is responsible. 2020 1×
10 Government of India purchased wheat from an American company. As there was inordinate delay in payment for the wheat, the American company sued the Indian Government in an American court. Government of India claims sovereign immunity. Argue. 2021 1×
10 The Government of Kelontan entered into a contract with a British Company in respect of certain mining operations. The contract contained an Arbitration clause, pursuant to which an award was made in favour of Kelontan. The British Company sued in England for enforcement of the award. Kelontan claims immunity from jurisdiction. 2019 1×
10 The Government of State 'A' is overthrown, and the rebels establish a new Government. State B continues to recognize the old Government as the de jure Government but accords de facto recognition to the new Government. The new Government files a suit in State B against a Bank for recovery of certain moneys belonging to it as the lawful representative of the state. How would you decide? 2019 1×
10 State 'X' was granted independence by a colonial power, and the newly emerged state was granted recognition only by a single nation. Examine whether the recognition is valid under international law. 2013 1×
10 State 'A' grants de facto recognition to State 'B'. Later, State 'B' engages in behaviour which violates its international commitments, due to which State 'A' decides to revoke the de facto recognition given to State 'B'. Justify the action of State 'A'. 2022 1×
10 State A has entered into an agreement with state B relating to investment in the oil sector in the territory of 'C', which is a colony of state A. C became independent in 2019, and B insists to C that the treaty should be honoured. C argued that it is not bound by the treaty. Discuss. 2020 1×
10 An Indian gentleman was residing in a foreign country for a long duration of time and eventually acquired the nationality of that country. However, he travelled to different parts of the world on his Indian passport without informing the Indian Government. Examine his liability. 2013 1×
10 State A launches an earth satellite which falls on the territory of State B. State A asks for its return, while State B counter-claims for damage caused to its property. 2019 1×
10 The Mayor of a town in Mexico ordered a lieutenant of State forces to suppress riots and attacks against certain American forces. Instead of dispersing the rioters, the troops did just the reverse. They started firing on the house in which the Americans had taken refuge. In the process, Americans were killed. Discuss the liability of the Mexican Government. 2013 1×
10 Mr. 'X' was a clerk at the Indian Embassy in England. He was dismissed from service on the charge of stealing documents. On the same day, the Indian Ambassador waived his immunities in this respect. Mr. 'X' was arrested and tried. He claimed that being a servant of a diplomatic envoy he was immune from the court proceedings. Whether he succeeds in this case? Give reasons. 2017 1×
10 Ms. Devayani, a diplomatic agent of India in the USA, was arrested by US police and put in handcuffs and made to sit in prison along with criminals. Will you justify the action of the USA against the Indian diplomatic envoy? 2015 1×
10 State A obtains custody of an accused person who took refuge in State B, by means involving a violation of the law of the latter state. Can he plead that this circumstance constitutes a bar to his trial in the former State? 2019 1×
10 An officer of the armed forces of State 'A' transferred secret information to agents of other countries. A warrant was issued for his arrest, but he fled and took refuge in State 'B'. State 'B' refused to extradite him. Examine the legal position. 2013 1×
10 'A' and 'B' were parties to a bilateral treaty. 'A' committed a breach of the treaty. What action can be taken against 'A' state by 'B' state for the breach of the treaty under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties, 1969. 2016 1×
10 A ship belonging to 'X' country entered into the territorial waters of 'Y' country. Accordingly, 'Y' country took the ship and its crew into their prison and filed a criminal case in their municipal court. Is the action of 'Y' justified? 2015 1×
10 State 'A' sought extradition of 'C', who is accused of an offence in its state but is not an offence in State 'B' to which 'C' escaped. Is extradition possible in this case? Examine and elaborate. 2022 1×
10 X, a state, discovered an island. Its flag is hoisted there. Later, after a few years, officials of state Y built official premises on the island and began to administer the local people. X contested that the presence of Y on the island is illegal because the island belongs to it. 2012 1×
10 A state 'Y' launches a satellite in outer space and the satellite, while falling on earth, causes damage to state 'X'. Discuss the liability of state 'Y'. 2021 1×
10 States 'Y' and 'Z' claim sovereignty over Island 'Q'. State 'Y' claims sovereignty as it has established the will to act as sovereign and has actually exercised sovereignty. State 'Z' claims sovereignty based on a treaty through which it has acquired the Island. Decide to whom Island 'Q' belongs, and state reasons for the same. 2022 1×
10 A team of Israeli military troops raided a camp on the ground in Pakistan against the jihadists. Has Israel violated any rule of International Law? Give reasons. 2017 1×
10 There is a boundary dispute between India and Bangladesh regarding the maritime delimitation between the Andaman Islands and Bangladesh. India wants to apply the archipelagic baselines to the Andaman Islands and claim the median line as the boundary between these Islands and Bangladesh. Decide. 2021 1×
10 Three Indian fishermen were involved in a case of alleged drug trafficking in Bangladesh. They were arrested and tried. The Dhaka High Court awarded death penalty to the three Indian fishermen. Now can Indian diplomatic envoys release the three Indian fishermen? Give reasons. 2017 1×
10 X used to allow Y to show a different line of demarcation of the boundary between X and Y , though according to their bilateral treaty the agreed boundary line was different, and Y objected. What could be the defence of Y? 2012 1×
10 'X', who is a citizen of State 'A', while on a tour in the territory of State 'B', was killed by a mob during local riots. Examine the liability of State 'B'. 2016 1×
10 'X', who is a member of UNO, wants to withdraw from the membership of UNO. Can it do so? Give reasons. 2015 1×
15 What are the causes for failure of the League of Nations? 2015 1×
15 Critically examine the "Common Heritage of Mankind". 2013 1×
15 Write a note on Continental Shelf and Exclusive Economic Zone. 2022 1×
15 Differentiate between High Seas, Territorial waters, contiguous zone and continental shelf. 2019 1×
15 Explain the evolution and development of the law of the sea. 2016 1×
15 What do you understand by "Freedom of the High Seas"? 2020 1×
15 Examine the future and trends of international law. 2013 1×
15 What is the importance of the UN Charter as an international instrument for the maintenance of peace and security? 2021 1×
15 "International law is not law in the strict sense". Critically examine this statement. 2019 1×
15 "International Law is not true law, but only positive morality" - Comment. 2016 1×
15 Discuss the jurisdiction of the Maritime state over coastal waters. 2017 1×
15 Write a detailed note on the kinds and consequences of Recognition. 2020 1×
15 Critically examine the powers, functions and composition of the general assembly. 2013 1×
15 What are the powers and functions of the general assembly of the United Nations? 2020 1×
15 Explain the privileges and immunities of Diplomatic Envoys. 2016 1×
15 What are the privileges and immunities of diplomatic envoys under International Law? 2015 1×
15 Explain the purposes and principles of the United Nations. 2017 1×
15 Define 'recognition'. Explain the "Common Heritage of Mankind". 2013 1×
15 Explain the relationship between International Law and Municipal Law with the help of theories. 2022 1×
15 Discuss the role of the UN Security Council in the maintenance of international peace and security. 2013 1×
15 Discuss the salient features of the Outer Space Treaty. 2022 1×
15 What are the sources of International Law? Considering their relative importance, how are they recognized by the Court of International Justice? 2019 1×
15 Discuss the sources of International Law with special reference to custom as a source of international law. 2013 1×
15 "A State is and becomes an international person through recognition only, through recognition and industry". Discuss. 2019 1×
15 Explain state succession and discuss the different kinds of state succession. Discuss the consequential rights and duties arising out of state succession. 2021 1×
15 What is state succession? Explain the different kinds of state succession. 2017 1×
15 What is 'state succession' in International Law? Explain the rights and duties arising out of state succession. 2022 1×
15 Define the term "International Law" and examine its significance in the modern day scenario. 2013 1×
15 Discuss the theories as to the basis of International Law. 2021 1×
15 Explain the theories relating to the relationship between International Law and Municipal Law. 2017 1×
15 Explain the various stages in the formation of treaties. 2013 1×
15 What are the various steps in the formation of treaties? Explain reservations and their effect in relation to treaties. 2021 1×
15 When is a state responsible for international delinquencies? 2016 1×
15 When will a state be recognized? Discuss the theories relating to state recognition. 2015 1×