• Law
  • Engineering and Architecture
  • Management and Business Administration
  • Medicine and Allied Sciences
  • Animation and Design
  • Media, Mass Communication and Journalism
  • Finance & Accounts
  • Computer Application and IT
  • Pharmacy
  • Hospitality and Tourism
  • Competition
  • School
  • Study Abroad
  • Arts, Commerce & Sciences
  • Learn
  • Online Courses and Certifications
CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus 2026: List of Topics Asked in Previous Years, Books, Preparation
  • Law Exams
  • CLAT Exam
  • CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus 2026: List of Topics Asked in Previous Years, Books, Preparation

CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus 2026: List of Topics Asked in Previous Years, Books, Preparation

Ongoing Event

CLAT Application Date:01 Aug' 25 - 31 Oct' 25

#CLAT
Shubham BhakuniUpdated on 14 Oct 2025, 10:58 AM IST

CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus 2026: Legal reasoning is one of the most important sections in CLAT 2026. The syllabus of CLAT shows that legal reasoning has a weightage of 25% in the question paper. While the consortium has made it clear that CLAT legal reasoning does not require prior knowledge of the law, the aptitude and ability to identify arguments and draw solutions will be tested. However, familiarity with basic legal concepts still helps the candidates score well in this section. The CLAT legal reasoning syllabus covers topics such as legal principles, the constitution, tort law, contract law, and various other areas of law. Key components of the legal reasoning CLAT syllabus include understanding basic legal concepts, such as rights, duties, and liabilities. The Legal Reasoning section includes passages of around 450 words, covering fact-based situations, public policy issues, or moral-ethical debates. Read the complete article to know about the detailed topics-wise CLAT legal reasoning syllabus 2026, books, sample questions and preparation tips.

This Story also Contains

  1. CLAT Subjects 2026: Overview
  2. CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus: Weightage, Marks & Key Skills
  3. CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus - Topics Covered in Previous Year
  4. How to prepare for CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning
  5. CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning Preparation Tips
  6. Books for CLAT Legal Reasoning
CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus 2026: List of Topics Asked in Previous Years, Books, Preparation
CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus

CLAT 2026 is scheduled to be held on December 7, 2025, in offline mode. The CLAT 2026 syllabus has five subjects - English, legal reasoning, logical reasoning, maths and general knowledge with current affairs. The section-wise overview of the CLAT syllabus is given below.

CLAT Subjects 2026: Overview

Subject name

Number of questions

Legal reasoning

28-32

Logical reasoning

22-26

English comprehension

22-26

Maths

10-14

General knowledge & current affairs

28-32

CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus: Weightage, Marks & Key Skills

The legal reasoning for CLAT syllabus is a crucial component of the exam, accounting for 25% of the total marks. Around 22-26 questions will be asked from CLAT 2026 legal reasoning syllabus, even though hardcore legal concepts will not be asked in the examination. The CLAT legal reasoning essentially attempts to test the critical thinking and analytical abilities of candidates. These skills are considered crucial for succeeding in the legal profession. Students can find the legal reasoning syllabus for CLAT below,

Skills required for CLAT Legal Reasoning 2026

  • Critical thinking

  • Analytical skills

  • Ability to identify arguments

  • Ability to draw conclusions from complex statements

  • Fast reading, along with comprehension

The legal reasoning for CLAT syllabus is designed to assess candidates' ability to analyse and apply legal principles in various scenarios. While there is no mention of specific legal reasoning topics in the official CLAT 2026 syllabus, an analysis of CLAT previous years question papers shows that understanding of basic legal concepts does help in answering the questions. Here are the CLAT legal reasoning topics asked in previous years.

CLAT Legal Reasoning Syllabus - Topics Covered in Previous Year

Year

TopicsDifficulty level
2025Less core legal reasoning questions, Valid and Invalid Contract, Right to Privacy, 42nd AmendmentEasy

2024

5 passages with 32 questions. Passages were around marriage laws, digital data protection law, press freedom, the Juvenile Justice Act, Void and voidable Marriage, Personal Data Protection Bill.

Easy

2023

8 passages on current affairs covering topics such as the Law of Torts, Contract Law, the Indian Penal Code, and related concepts

Easy to moderate but lengthy

2022

The passages were based on Monism and dualism, Special Marriage Act, Contract Act, Bigamy and the Constitution. All the passages were from the major laws and the questions were easy as well.

Easy

2021

The passages were from topics such as Special Marriage Act, Law of writs, Penal Law, Personal Laws related to Bigamy, and Public International Law.

Moderate

CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning Syllabus: List of topics asked in previous years

  1. Marriage Laws

  2. Digital Data Protection Law

  3. Press Freedom

  4. Juvenile Justice Act

  5. Void and Voidable Marriage

  6. Personal Data Protection Bill

  7. Law of Torts

  8. Contract Law

  9. Indian Penal Code and Related Concepts

  10. Monism and Dualism

  11. Special Marriage Act

  12. Contract Act

  13. Bigamy

  14. Constitution Law

  15. Special Marriage Act

  16. Law of Writs

  17. Penal Law

UPES Integrated LLB Admissions 2026

Ranked #18 amongst Institutions in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in India for Academic Reputation by QS Rankings | 16 LPA Highest CTC

Apply
ICFAI-LAW School BA-LLB / BBA-LLB Admissions 2025

Ranked 1 st among Top Law Schools of super Excellence in India - GHRDC | NAAC A+ Accredited | #36 by NIRF

Apply

  1. Public International Law

CLAT Sample Paper 2026 with Answer Key- Careers360
Download the CLAT Sample Paper 2026 PDF featuring the latest exam pattern with descriptive-type questions for effective preparation.
Download EBook

Going through the legal reasoning syllabus for CLAT from previous years is an effective way to prepare for the upcoming exam. Students are required to familiarise themselves with the legal reasoning CLAT syllabus to effectively tackle the exam's critical thinking questions.

You may also check popular law courses -

Commercial LawCivil Law
Comparative LawConsumer Law
Constitutional and Administrative LawBusiness Law
Corporate LawBanking Law
Criminology and Forensic LawInternational Trade Law
Silver Oak University Law Admissions 2025

Approved by BCI | Moot Court Available

Apply
TopRankers Judiciary Exam Prep

Register for Judiciary Exam Preparation from TopRankers.

Apply
Recommended eBooks

Related eBooks & Sample Papers

How to prepare for CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning

The legal reasoning section in the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT) will have questions based on comprehension-based paragraphs. The CLAT 2026 question paper will consist of five to six paragraphs, each followed by a series of multiple-choice questions (MCQs). Candidates will have to read the paragraphs and answer the questions based on the information provided.

The CLAT legal reasoning paragraphs will be around 450 words each. These paragraphs will be based on various fact situations or scenarios involving legal matters, public policy questions or moral philosophical enquiries.

While prior legal knowledge is not required for CLAT 2026 legal reasoning, a basic understanding and awareness of general legal and moral issues will help the candidates apply principles in various fact situations.

CLAT 2026 Legal Reasoning Preparation Tips

Here are some important tips to help the candidates start with CLAT legal reasoning preparation.

Read Daily Newspaper Articles

Reading the newspapers regularly will help the candidates keep up with the latest developments in the legal and political field. The CLAT legal aptitude requires the candidates to be good with current legal affairs and newspapers are considered the best preparation material for it.

Read Legal Journals

Reading articles and journals on law, the judiciary, and judgments helps candidates familiarise themselves with historical developments in law and legal terminology and become comfortable with complex legal language.

Practice Questions on Legal Principles

The legal aptitude questions in CLAT 2026 will be complex and lengthy. Candidates should practice the questions around legal principles and learn how to use principles in various fact situations. The CLAT previous year's questions are good practice sources to start with.

Improve legal maxims and vocabulary

Legal maxims and terminologies are important for understanding complex legal paragraphs quickly. Candidates should keep a dictionary of legal terminology, and maxims. Additionally, candidates can note the legal terminologies mentioned in the articles and journals along with their meanings.

Books for CLAT Legal Reasoning

Here are some recommended books for CLAT legal reasoning.

  • Legal aptitude and legal reasoning by A P Bharadwaj

  • Legal awareness by Pearson

  • LST’s legal reasoning module

  • Objective Legal Studies by R.S. Agrawal

You may also check:

Articles
Related Stories
|
Upcoming Law Exams
Certifications By Top Providers
Sociology in India
Via Indira Gandhi National Open University, New Delhi
Introduction to Econometrics
Via Indian Institute of Technology Madras
Data Analysis for Social Science Teachers
Via University of Hyderabad, Hyderabad
Sociological Perspectives on Modernity
Via Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati
Swayam
 162 courses
Edx
 129 courses
Futurelearn
 74 courses
NPTEL
 74 courses
Coursera
 52 courses
Explore Top Universities Across Globe
University of Essex, Colchester
Wivenhoe Park Colchester CO4 3SQ
University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen
King's College, Aberdeen, AB24 3FX
Keele University, Newcastle
Staffordshire, UK, ST5 5BG
The University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh
Old College, South Bridge, Edinburgh, Post Code EH8 9YL
Queen Mary University of London, London
Mile End Road, London E1 4NS
Lancaster University, Lancaster
Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW

Popular Courses and Specializations

Popular Degrees

Popular Branches

List of colleges accepting CLAT

Questions related to CLAT

On Question asked by student community

Have a question related to CLAT ?
Can we attempt the clat exam in 11th class

Hello,

No, you are not elligible to appear for the CLAT exam while in Class 11, as the elligiblity criteria require you to be in or have completed Class 12 . However, you can start preparing for the exam now.

  • Understand the CLAT Exam pattern.
  • Analyze your performance by taking practice tests.
  • Develop a study schedule that balances your schoolwork and CLAT preparation.

You can get the CLAT Exam practice tests by following this link:

https://law.careers360.com/articles/free-clat-practice-test

Read Complete Answer
P
Palisetti Rakshita
22 Oct'25
If a student is from telangana they can apply for reserved seat. In reservation in clat registration

Hello,

Yes, if a student is from Telangana, they can apply for a reserved seat in CLAT only if they belong to a reserved category such as SC, ST, OBC, EWS, or PwD, as per the rules of CLAT and the participating National Law Universities (NLUs).

However, please note:

  • CLAT does not have a separate “Telangana state quota.”

  • Reservation is given based on category , not on the state, except in some NLUs that offer domicile (state) reservation for their own state students.

So, if you are from Telangana, you can:

  • Apply under your category reservation (like SC/ST/OBC/EWS) .

  • And you may get Telangana domicile reservation only in those NLUs that are located in Telangana (for example, NALSAR University of Law, Hyderabad ).

Hope it helps !

Read Complete Answer
P
Prachi Kumari
22 Oct'25
What is the expected or predicted score in VITLee or CLAT will consider a safe zone for getting in this college

Hi Dear Candidate!!

For VITEEE (VIT Engineering Admission), a safe zone generally means scoring around 110–120 out of 125 or securing a rank under 25,000 for most B.Tech branches at VIT Vellore. Other campuses like Chennai, Bhopal, or Amaravati may have slightly lower cutoffs, around ranks 25,000–40,000, depending on the branch. Highly competitive branches like Computer Science or Electronics usually require higher scores, while less competitive branches may have slightly lower requirements.

For CLAT (National Law University Admission), a safe score for top NLUs such as NLU Delhi, Bangalore, or Hyderabad is around 140–145 out of 150 for General category students. Mid-tier NLUs usually require scores in the 120–135 range. Keep in mind that category-wise variations and yearly fluctuations in applicants can slightly change the cutoffs, so aiming higher than these predicted scores is always recommended to ensure a seat.

Read Complete Answer
V
Vanshika Saini
25 Oct'25
Clat pg 2026 application form fill up mai photo and signature requirement Ka criteria

Hello,

For CLAT PG 2026 application :

Photograph: JPEG/JPG, 200x230 pixels, 20–50 KB, white/light background, recent passport-size photo.

Signature: JPEG/JPG, 140x60 pixels, 10–20 KB, sign on white paper with black ink, must match exam documents.

Hope it helps !

Read Complete Answer
P
Prachi Kumari
11 Oct'25
does any one has the Universal's Guide to CLAT book or pdf i can get for free please

Hi dear candidate,

On our official website, you can find various study material EBooks and Sample Papers that can help you prepare better that you can download for free.

Kindly refer to the link attached below:

CLAT E-books and Sample Papers

CLAT Study Material 2026 PDF - Books, Mock Test, Question Papers

BEST REGARDS


Read Complete Answer
A
Aryan
8 Oct'25
View all

Popular CLAT Questions

Read the passage carefully and answer the question

The Contract should be performed by the promisor himself. However, in certain cases, it can also be performed by his agents or legal representatives. It all depends upon the intention of the parties. Normally a contract can be performed by the following persons. 

  1. Promisor himself: If from the nature of the contract it appears that it was the intention of the parties that the promise should be performed by the promisor himself, such promise must be performed by the promisor. This usually applies to contracts involving personal skill, task, or artwork. 
  2. Promisor or his Agent: Where the contract does not involve the personal skill of the promisor, the contract could be performed by the promisor himself or by any competent person employed by him for the purpose, 
  3. Legal Representatives: The contracts which do not involve any personal skill or taste, may be performed by his legal representative after the death of the promisor.
  4. Third Person: In some cases, a contract may be performed by a third person provided the promisee accepts the arrangement. According to Section 41 of the Indian Contract Act, once the promisee accepts the performance from a third person, he cannot compel the promisor to perform the contract again. 
  5. Performance of Joint Promises: According to section 42 of the Indian Contract Act, when two or more persons have made a joint promise, the joint promisors must fulfill the promise jointly during their lifetime. And if any one of them dies, then his legal representatives and survivors must jointly fulfill the promise. 

Section 43 of the Indian Contract Act further provides that unless a contrary intention appears from the contract, each joint promisor may compel every other joint promisor to contribute equally to the performance of the promise. If any joint promisor makes a default in such contribution, the remaining joint promisors must bear the loss arising from such default in equal shares.

Question:

Aman received a box of chocolates from Basant and promised to pay Rupees 5000. Later on, A becomes bankrupt. Chetan who is a friend of Aman pays rupees 1000 to Besant on behalf of Aman. Aman is not aware of such a transaction. In civil court, insolvency proceedings have started against Aman. Meanwhile, Basant has also applied for a recovery of 5000 rupees. Decide.

Option: 1

Basant is entitled to recover the amount of 5000 from Aman.


Option: 2

Basant is entitled to recover the amount of 4000 from Aman.


Option: 3

Chetan is entitled to recover the amount of 1000 from Basant.


Option: 4

Basant cannot recover any amount from Aman as he has become insolvent.


Read Complete Answer

Read the passage carefully and answer the question

The Contract should be performed by the promisor himself. However, in certain cases, it can also be performed by his agents or legal representatives. It all depends upon the intention of the parties. Normally a contract can be performed by the following persons. 

  1. Promisor himself: If from the nature of the contract it appears that it was the intention of the parties that the promise should be performed by the promisor himself, such promise must be performed by the promisor. This usually applies to contracts involving personal skill, task, or artwork. 
  2. Promisor or his Agent: Where the contract does not involve the personal skill of the promisor, the contract could be performed by the promisor himself or by any competent person employed by him for the purpose, 
  3. Legal Representatives: The contracts which do not involve any personal skill or taste, may be performed by his legal representative after the death of the promisor.
  4. Third Person: In some cases, a contract may be performed by a third person provided the promisee accepts the arrangement. According to Section 41 of the Indian Contract Act, once the promisee accepts the performance from a third person, he cannot compel the promisor to perform the contract again. 
  5. Performance of Joint Promises: According to section 42 of the Indian Contract Act, when two or more persons have made a joint promise, the joint promisors must fulfill the promise jointly during their lifetime. And if any one of them dies, then his legal representatives and survivors must jointly fulfill the promise. 

Section 43 of the Indian Contract Act further provides that unless a contrary intention appears from the contract, each joint promisor may compel every other joint promisor to contribute equally to the performance of the promise. If any joint promisor makes a default in such contribution, the remaining joint promisors must bear the loss arising from such default in equal shares.

Question:

K promises to paint a picture for L on a certain day, at a certain price. K dies before the day of the contract. Decide. 

Option: 1

The contract can be enforced by K’s representative 


Option: 2

The contract can be enforced by L


Option: 3

The contract can be enforced either by K’s representation or by L 


Option: 4

The contract cannot be enforced either by K’s representative, or L


Read Complete Answer

Read the passage carefully and answer the question

The Contract should be performed by the promisor himself. However, in certain cases, it can also be performed by his agents or legal representatives. It all depends upon the intention of the parties. Normally a contract can be performed by the following persons. 

  1. Promisor himself: If from the nature of the contract it appears that it was the intention of the parties that the promise should be performed by the promisor himself, such promise must be performed by the promisor. This usually applies to contracts involving personal skill, task, or artwork. 
  2. Promisor or his Agent: Where the contract does not involve the personal skill of the promisor, the contract could be performed by the promisor himself or by any competent person employed by him for the purpose, 
  3. Legal Representatives: The contracts which do not involve any personal skill or taste, may be performed by his legal representative after the death of the promisor.
  4. Third Person: In some cases, a contract may be performed by a third person provided the promisee accepts the arrangement. According to Section 41 of the Indian Contract Act, once the promisee accepts the performance from a third person, he cannot compel the promisor to perform the contract again. 
  5. Performance of Joint Promises: According to section 42 of the Indian Contract Act, when two or more persons have made a joint promise, the joint promisors must fulfill the promise jointly during their lifetime. And if any one of them dies, then his legal representatives and survivors must jointly fulfill the promise. 

Section 43 of the Indian Contract Act further provides that unless a contrary intention appears from the contract, each joint promisor may compel every other joint promisor to contribute equally to the performance of the promise. If any joint promisor makes a default in such contribution, the remaining joint promisors must bear the loss arising from such default in equal shares.

Question:

Rohan has agreed to manage the catering services during the marriage of Sohan’s son Ramu. On the day of marriage, Rohan felt ill and sent his manager to the management of catering services. Ramu happily gets married to Tina and people appreciated the food and decoration of the event. When Rohan asked Sohan for the remaining amount, he denied it because Rohan himself had not managed so it is a breach. Decide.

 

Option: 1

Rohan is not entitled to get the remaining amount due to a breach of contract.


Option: 2

Rohan is entitled to sue Sohan for the remaining amount.


Option: 3

Rohan is entitled to sue Ramu because it was his marriage.


Option: 4

Instead of Rohan, his manager can only sue Sohan for the breach.


Read Complete Answer

Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

Natural justice is another name for common sense justice rules of natural justice are not in codified form these principles are embedded or ingrained or inbuilt in the conscience of human beings. It supplies the omission made in codified law and helps in the administration of justice. Natural justice is not only confined to ‘fairness’ it will take many shades and colours based on the context. Thus natural justice apart from ‘fairness’ also implies reasonableness, equity and equality. They are neither cast in a rigid mould nor can they be put in a legal straitjacket. These principles written by nature in the heart of mankind, they are immutable, inviolable, and inalienable.

It is true that the concept of natural justice is not very clear and, therefore, it is not possible to define it; yet the principles of natural justice are accepted and enforced. In the case of Ridge V. Baldwin Court observed that “in modern times have sometimes been expressed to the effect that natural justice is as vague as to be practically meaningless. But I would regard these as tainted by the perennial fallacy that because something cannot be cut and dried or nicely weighed or measured therefore it does not exist”. The term natural justice signifies fundamental rules of judicial procedure and fair play in action. According to Lord Widgery “the principles of natural justice were those fundamental rules; the breach will prevent justice from being seen to be done”. Earliest expression of ‘natural justice’ could be found in the philosophical expression of Roman Jurist (jus natural) and signified rules and principles for the conduct of man which were independent of enacted law or customs and could be discovered by the rational intelligence of man and would grow out of and conform to his nature.

The rule against bias that surfaced in 1610 in Dr Bonham's Casewhere Chief Justice Coke went so far as to say that the Court could declare an Act of Parliament void if it made a man as judge in his own cause, or otherwise ‘against common right and reason’. This was one of his grounds for disallowing the claim of the College of Physicians to fine and imprison Doctor Bonham, a Doctor of Physics of Cambridge University, for practising in the city of London without the licence of College of Physicians. The statute under which the College acted provided that fines should go half to the King half to the College so that the College had a financial interest in its own judgement and was judged in its own cause.

Question:

X is a student of a college and his father Y is a professor in the same college. In one instance, X is caught to be involved in unparliamentary activities inside the college campus. The enquiry committee is set up and Y is appointed as the head of the committee. Decide.

Option: 1

Y is a professor of the same college hence he can become a member of the enquiry committee


Option: 2

Y is X’s father hence he should not be a part of the enquiry committee


Option: 3

Y can be a part of the enquiry committee but cannot be its head


Option: 4

There is no rule that prevents the appointment of Y until he fulfils his function diligently


Read Complete Answer

Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

Natural justice is another name for common sense justice rules of natural justice are not in codified form these principles are embedded or ingrained or inbuilt in the conscience of human beings. It supplies the omission made in codified law and helps in the administration of justice. Natural justice is not only confined to ‘fairness’ it will take many shades and colours based on the context. Thus natural justice apart from ‘fairness’ also implies reasonableness, equity and equality. They are neither cast in a rigid mould nor can they be put in a legal straitjacket. These principles written by nature in the heart of mankind, they are immutable, inviolable, and inalienable.

It is true that the concept of natural justice is not very clear and, therefore, it is not possible to define it; yet the principles of natural justice are accepted and enforced. In the case of Ridge V. Baldwin Court observed that “in modern times have sometimes been expressed to the effect that natural justice is as vague as to be practically meaningless. But I would regard these as tainted by the perennial fallacy that because something cannot be cut and dried or nicely weighed or measured therefore it does not exist”. The term natural justice signifies fundamental rules of judicial procedure and fair play in action. According to Lord Widgery “the principles of natural justice were those fundamental rules; the breach will prevent justice from being seen to be done”. Earliest expression of ‘natural justice’ could be found in the philosophical expression of Roman Jurist (jus natural) and signified rules and principles for the conduct of man which were independent of enacted law or customs and could be discovered by the rational intelligence of man and would grow out of and conform to his nature.

The rule against bias that surfaced in 1610 in Dr Bonham's Casewhere Chief Justice Coke went so far as to say that the Court could declare an Act of Parliament void if it made a man as judge in his own cause, or otherwise ‘against common right and reason’. This was one of his grounds for disallowing the claim of the College of Physicians to fine and imprison Doctor Bonham, a Doctor of Physics of Cambridge University, for practising in the city of London without the licence of College of Physicians. The statute under which the College acted provided that fines should go half to the King half to the College so that the College had a financial interest in its own judgement and was judged in its own cause.

Question:

Mr X is an employee of a corporate office. His wife Y is a judge. In one instance, X is found to be involved in a money laundering case at his office. The office now files a suit and Y is appointed as the judge for this case. Decide.

Option: 1

Y is a judge by herself, hence can be appointed to adjudicate this case


Option: 2

Y is can be appointed as a judge only if she fulfils her responsibilities without any bias


Option: 3

Y can adjudicate the case and if the company finds the penalty to be insufficient then they can appeal against it


Option: 4

Y cannot be the judge in this case ab initio


Read Complete Answer

Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

Natural justice is another name for common sense justice rules of natural justice are not in codified form these principles are embedded or ingrained or inbuilt in the conscience of human beings. It supplies the omission made in codified law and helps in the administration of justice. Natural justice is not only confined to ‘fairness’ it will take many shades and colours based on the context. Thus natural justice apart from ‘fairness’ also implies reasonableness, equity and equality. They are neither cast in a rigid mould nor can they be put in a legal straitjacket. These principles written by nature in the heart of mankind, they are immutable, inviolable, and inalienable.

It is true that the concept of natural justice is not very clear and, therefore, it is not possible to define it; yet the principles of natural justice are accepted and enforced. In the case of Ridge V. Baldwin Court observed that “in modern times have sometimes been expressed to the effect that natural justice is as vague as to be practically meaningless. But I would regard these as tainted by the perennial fallacy that because something cannot be cut and dried or nicely weighed or measured therefore it does not exist”. The term natural justice signifies fundamental rules of judicial procedure and fair play in action. According to Lord Widgery “the principles of natural justice were those fundamental rules; the breach will prevent justice from being seen to be done”. Earliest expression of ‘natural justice’ could be found in the philosophical expression of Roman Jurist (jus natural) and signified rules and principles for the conduct of man which were independent of enacted law or customs and could be discovered by the rational intelligence of man and would grow out of and conform to his nature.

The rule against bias that surfaced in 1610 in Dr Bonham's Casewhere Chief Justice Coke went so far as to say that the Court could declare an Act of Parliament void if it made a man as judge in his own cause, or otherwise ‘against common right and reason’. This was one of his grounds for disallowing the claim of the College of Physicians to fine and imprison Doctor Bonham, a Doctor of Physics of Cambridge University, for practising in the city of London without the licence of College of Physicians. The statute under which the College acted provided that fines should go half to the King half to the College so that the College had a financial interest in its own judgement and was judged in its own cause.

Question:

X was a renowned cricketer in the 1980s. His son Y is a struggling cricketer who has been trying to get into the national team for many years. In the year 2020, X is appointed as a member of the selection committee. In the match which is supposed to decide the final team of the nation, Y scores a century and Z scores 65 runs. However, Z is selected to represent India and Y is not. Y now appeals against the decision, the main ground being the presence of X in the committee. Decide.

Option: 1

The appeal will stand as Y scored a century yet Z was selected after scoring 65 runs


Option: 2

The appeal will be quashed since X’s presence should have benefitted Y, but it didn’t, hence the rejection of Y is valid


Option: 3

The appeal will stand as X’s presence is a factor of bias


Option: 4

The appeal will be quashed since X was a renowned cricketer


Read Complete Answer

Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

Natural justice is another name for common sense justice rules of natural justice are not in codified form these principles are embedded or ingrained or inbuilt in the conscience of human beings. It supplies the omission made in codified law and helps in the administration of justice. Natural justice is not only confined to ‘fairness’ it will take many shades and colours based on the context. Thus natural justice apart from ‘fairness’ also implies reasonableness, equity and equality. They are neither cast in a rigid mould nor can they be put in a legal straitjacket. These principles written by nature in the heart of mankind, they are immutable, inviolable, and inalienable.

It is true that the concept of natural justice is not very clear and, therefore, it is not possible to define it; yet the principles of natural justice are accepted and enforced. In the case of Ridge V. Baldwin Court observed that “in modern times have sometimes been expressed to the effect that natural justice is as vague as to be practically meaningless. But I would regard these as tainted by the perennial fallacy that because something cannot be cut and dried or nicely weighed or measured therefore it does not exist”. The term natural justice signifies fundamental rules of judicial procedure and fair play in action. According to Lord Widgery “the principles of natural justice were those fundamental rules; the breach will prevent justice from being seen to be done”. Earliest expression of ‘natural justice’ could be found in the philosophical expression of Roman Jurist (jus natural) and signified rules and principles for the conduct of man which were independent of enacted law or customs and could be discovered by the rational intelligence of man and would grow out of and conform to his nature.

The rule against bias that surfaced in 1610 in Dr Bonham's Casewhere Chief Justice Coke went so far as to say that the Court could declare an Act of Parliament void if it made a man as judge in his own cause, or otherwise ‘against common right and reason’. This was one of his grounds for disallowing the claim of the College of Physicians to fine and imprison Doctor Bonham, a Doctor of Physics of Cambridge University, for practising in the city of London without the licence of College of Physicians. The statute under which the College acted provided that fines should go half to the King half to the College so that the College had a financial interest in its own judgement and was judged in its own cause.

Question:

X is a married judge who is well known for his honesty in the entire city. He has a son Y. One fine day Y gets kidnapped and the kidnapper demands a sum of 20 lakhs from X. However, the kidnapper is caught by the police. X is now appointed as the judge for the hearing of the kidnapper. Decide.

Option: 1

X can be the judge since he can decide the punishment better as he was the sufferer


Option: 2

X cannot be the judge since there is a possibility that he will be biased while delivering the judgement


Option: 3

X can be the judge since he is renowned for his honesty and fulfil his duties


Option: 4

X can be the judge but his statement can be appealed against if delivered with bias


Read Complete Answer

Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

Natural justice is another name for common sense justice rules of natural justice are not in codified form these principles are embedded or ingrained or inbuilt in the conscience of human beings. It supplies the omission made in codified law and helps in the administration of justice. Natural justice is not only confined to ‘fairness’ it will take many shades and colours based on the context. Thus natural justice apart from ‘fairness’ also implies reasonableness, equity and equality. They are neither cast in a rigid mould nor can they be put in a legal straitjacket. These principles written by nature in the heart of mankind, they are immutable, inviolable, and inalienable.

It is true that the concept of natural justice is not very clear and, therefore, it is not possible to define it; yet the principles of natural justice are accepted and enforced. In the case of Ridge V. Baldwin Court observed that “in modern times have sometimes been expressed to the effect that natural justice is as vague as to be practically meaningless. But I would regard these as tainted by the perennial fallacy that because something cannot be cut and dried or nicely weighed or measured therefore it does not exist”. The term natural justice signifies fundamental rules of judicial procedure and fair play in action. According to Lord Widgery “the principles of natural justice were those fundamental rules; the breach will prevent justice from being seen to be done”. Earliest expression of ‘natural justice’ could be found in the philosophical expression of Roman Jurist (jus natural) and signified rules and principles for the conduct of man which were independent of enacted law or customs and could be discovered by the rational intelligence of man and would grow out of and conform to his nature.

The rule against bias that surfaced in 1610 in Dr Bonham's Casewhere Chief Justice Coke went so far as to say that the Court could declare an Act of Parliament void if it made a man as judge in his own cause, or otherwise ‘against common right and reason’. This was one of his grounds for disallowing the claim of the College of Physicians to fine and imprison Doctor Bonham, a Doctor of Physics of Cambridge University, for practising in the city of London without the licence of College of Physicians. The statute under which the College acted provided that fines should go half to the King half to the College so that the College had a financial interest in its own judgement and was judged in its own cause.

Question:

X and Y have been married for five years. X is a judge and Y is a doctor. X is pretty much unhappy with his married life so he wants to divorce Y. Y refuses to agree to a divorce by mutual consent hence X files a suit against Y. Decide.

Option: 1

X cannot file a suit since he is a judge


Option: 2

X can file a suit against Y in legal capacity but not as a judge


Option: 3

X cannot file a divorce suit against Y since there is no valid ground for divorce


Option: 4

X can proceed with mutual consent but not contested divorce


Read Complete Answer

Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

In the case of M/S Halonex Limited, 59-A Noida vs State of U.P., it was held that “In reply to the aforesaid submission, learned counsel for opposite party no.2 submitted that the case of the applicants that no amount is due from their side to the complainant is a matter of defence which cannot be considered at this stage. It has been submitted that the term 'entrustment' as used in Section 405 IPC has been given a wider interpretation. It has been submitted that the goods returned by the complainant to the Company for replacement or for reimbursement would be deemed to have been entrusted to the Company and as the applicants 2 & 3 were handling its affair they become responsible. To buttress the said submission, the learned counsel for the complainant drew the attention of the Court to a decision of the Apex Court in the case of Ram Narayan Popli Vs. Central Bureau of Investigation: (2003) 3 SCC 641, wherein it was observed that: "the term "entrustment" is not necessarily a term of law. It may have different implications in different contexts. In its most general signification all it imports is the handing over possession for some purpose which may not imply the conferring of any proprietary right at all." Attention was also drawn to an observation made in the judgment of the aforesaid case, where it was observed that: "to establish the charge of criminal breach of trust, the prosecution is not obliged to prove the precise mode of conversion, misappropriation or misapplication by the accused of the property entrusted to him or over which he has dominion. The principal ingredient of the offence being dishonest misappropriation or conversion which may not ordinarily be a matter of direct proof, entrustment of property and failure in breach of an obligation to account for the property entrusted if proved, may, in the light of other circumstances, justifiably lead to an inference of dishonest misappropriation or conversion”.

Question:

X tracks down an expensive necklace on the road. Not knowing to whom it belongs. X sells it promptly to a jeweller without attempting to find the owner or submitting the necklace to the authorities. Decide the liability of X.

Option: 1

Extortion


Option: 2

Criminal breach of trust


Option: 3

Theft


Option: 4

Criminal misappropriation of Property


Read Complete Answer

Read the passage and answer the question that follow.

In the case of M/S Halonex Limited, 59-A Noida vs State of U.P., it was held that “In reply to the aforesaid submission, learned counsel for opposite party no.2 submitted that the case of the applicants that no amount is due from their side to the complainant is a matter of defence which cannot be considered at this stage. It has been submitted that the term 'entrustment' as used in Section 405 IPC has been given a wider interpretation. It has been submitted that the goods returned by the complainant to the Company for replacement or for reimbursement would be deemed to have been entrusted to the Company and as the applicants 2 & 3 were handling its affair they become responsible. To buttress the said submission, the learned counsel for the complainant drew the attention of the Court to a decision of the Apex Court in the case of Ram Narayan Popli Vs. Central Bureau of Investigation: (2003) 3 SCC 641, wherein it was observed that: "the term "entrustment" is not necessarily a term of law. It may have different implications in different contexts. In its most general signification all it imports is the handing over possession for some purpose which may not imply the conferring of any proprietary right at all." Attention was also drawn to an observation made in the judgment of the aforesaid case, where it was observed that: "to establish the charge of criminal breach of trust, the prosecution is not obliged to prove the precise mode of conversion, misappropriation or misapplication by the accused of the property entrusted to him or over which he has dominion. The principal ingredient of the offence being dishonest misappropriation or conversion which may not ordinarily be a matter of direct proof, entrustment of property and failure in breach of an obligation to account for the property entrusted if proved, may, in the light of other circumstances, justifiably lead to an inference of dishonest misappropriation or conversion”.

Question:

P borrows from L his phone for using it to call his parents. However, when L is distracted, P removes the memory card of the phone and later on sells it. Decide the liability of P.

Option: 1

P is guilty under dishonest misappropriation of property

 


Option: 2

P is not guilty for any offence since the phone was given with consent


Option: 3

P is guilty for theft


Option: 4

P has been handed over the phone, so he has the right to use it as he likes


Read Complete Answer

Start a career in Law. Admissions Open for LLB courses for

UPES Integrated LLB Admissions 2026
Apply

Ranked #18 amongst Institutions in India by NIRF | Ranked #1 in India for Academic Reputation by QS Rankings | 16 LPA Highest CTC

Nirma University Law Admission 2026
Apply

Grade 'A+' accredited by NAAC | Ranked 33rd by NIRF 2025

Parul University Law Admissions 2026
Apply

India's youngest NAAC A++ accredited University | NIRF rank band 151-200 | Approved by Bar Council of India

ICFAI-LAW School BA-LLB / BBA-LLB Admissions 2025
Apply

Ranked 1 st among Top Law Schools of super Excellence in India - GHRDC | NAAC A+ Accredited | #36 by NIRF

CLAT Cut-offs
Apply

Understand previous year cut-off trends as well as expected cut-offs for current year. Get the Ebook

VGU, Jaipur | Law Admissions 2026
Apply

NAAC A+ Grade | Admissions open for 5 year Integrated LLB & LLB programs | Approved by Bar Council of India

View all Application Forms

CLAT Notifications

Latest updates

Explore Career Options

By Industry
Lawyer

A lawyer advises clients on legal matters, represents them in court, and drafts legal documents. They work in various fields like criminal, corporate, or family law. Key skills include communication, research, and analytical thinking. To become a lawyer in India, one must complete a law degree, clear entrance exams, register with the Bar Council, and pass the All India Bar Examination.

4 Jobs Available
Civil Lawyer

A civil lawyer handles non-criminal legal disputes like family, property, and contract issues. They represent clients in court, draft documents, and advise on legal rights. To practice in India, one needs an LLB degree and Bar Council enrollment. Civil lawyers work in firms, government, or independently, with growing demand across various specialisations.

3 Jobs Available
Human Rights Lawyer

Individuals in the human rights lawyer career path are legal professionals responsible for advocating for people whose inherent dignity has been violated and who have suffered a lot of injustice. They take cases to defend the human rights of minorities, vulnerable populations, the LGBTQI community, indigenous people and others. 

2 Jobs Available
Criminal Lawyer

A criminal lawyer defends individuals or organisations accused of crimes, ensuring fair trial and legal rights. They analyse cases, represent clients in court, conduct legal research, and negotiate plea deals. Strong communication, analytical, and ethical skills are essential. After earning a law degree, gaining experience, and registering with a Bar Council, they can practise independently or with law firms.

2 Jobs Available
Family Lawyer

Family lawyers are required to assist a client in resolving any family-related problem. In general, family lawyers operate as mediators between family members when conflicts arise. Individuals who opt for a career as Family Lawyer is charged with drafting prenuptial agreements to protect someone's financial interests prior to marriage, consulting on grounds for impeachment or civil union separation, and drafting separation agreements.

2 Jobs Available
Cyber Lawyer

A cyber lawyer handles legal issues related to the internet, such as cybercrimes, data breaches, and online privacy. They prepare legal documents, represent clients in court, and advise businesses on cybersecurity compliance. The career requires a law degree, specialisation in cyber law, and strong tech knowledge.

2 Jobs Available
Immigration Lawyer

An immigration lawyer is responsible for representing the individuals (clients) involved in the immigration process that includes legal, and illegal citizens and refugees who want to reside in the country, start a business or get employment. 

2 Jobs Available
Government Lawyer

A Government Lawyer represents the government in legal matters, provides legal advice to officials, drafts legislation, and prosecutes or defends cases. The role requires strong research, communication, and analytical skills. To pursue this career, one must obtain an LLB, pass the Bar Exam, gain court experience, and apply for government positions. Career progression includes roles from junior to senior government lawyer.

2 Jobs Available

Never miss an CLAT update

Get timely CLAT updates directly to your inbox. Stay informed!