7th Jan 2025 Shift 1:
| Examination: | UGC NET |
| Subject: | COMMERCE (Paper 2) |
| Exam cycle: | 7th Jan 2025 Shift 1 |
| Types of Paper: | PYQ’s (Previous Year Questions) |
| Which Unit? | Unit 9 Legal Aspects of Business |
Question No.1
Match the LIST-I with LIST-II
| LIST – I Act | LIST – II Year | ||
| A. | Indian Contract Act | I. | 2013 |
| B. | Sales of Goods Act | II. | 1872 |
| C. | Negotiable Instruments Act | III. | 1930 |
| D. | Companies Act | IV. | 1881 |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
- A – II, B – III, C – IV, D – I
- A – I, B – II, C – III, D – IV
- A – IV, B – III, C – II, D – I
- A – III, B – IV, C – I, D – II
Solutions:
The correct answer is ‘A-II, B-III, C-IV, D-I’.
Key Points
- Indian Contract Act (A) matches with 1872 (II).
- Explanation: The Indian Contract Act, 1872 is the key legal document that governs the law of contracts in India. It specifies the various provisions related to the formation, performance, and enforceability of contracts.
- Sales of Goods Act (B) matches with 1930 (III).
- Explanation: The Sale of Goods Act, 1930 governs the sale of goods in India. It lays down the essential elements for the sale of goods, the rights and obligations of the buyer and seller, and other aspects related to the sale of goods.
- Negotiable Instruments Act (C) matches with 1881 (IV).
- Explanation: The Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 provides the framework for the regulation of negotiable instruments such as promissory notes, bills of exchange, and cheques. It outlines the rights and responsibilities of the parties involved in negotiable instruments.
- Companies Act (D) matches with 2013 (I).
- Explanation: The Companies Act, 2013 is the primary legislation that governs the incorporation, regulation, and dissolution of companies in India. It includes provisions for corporate governance, company management, and the rights of shareholders.
Question No.2
Which of the following are taxes (GST) applicable in the case of supply of goods
I. From West Bengal to Chandigarh
II. From Puducherry to Chennai
Note: CGST : Central Goods and Services Tax
IGST : Integrated Goods and Services Tax
UTGST : Union territory Goods and Services Tax
SGST : State Goods and Services Tax
- I. CGST
II. IGST - I. IGST
II. IGST - I. UTGST
II. UTGST - I. SGST
II. UTGST
Solutions:
The correct answer is Option 2.
Key PointsExplanation:
- From West Bengal to Chandigarh
- When goods are supplied from one state to another, the applicable tax is IGST (Integrated Goods and Services Tax).
- This is because it is an inter-state supply of goods, and IGST is levied on such transactions.
- In this case, the supply is from West Bengal (a state) to Chandigarh (a union territory), making it an inter-state supply.
- Therefore, IGST is applicable.
- From Puducherry to Chennai
- When goods are supplied within the same state or union territory, the applicable taxes are CGST (Central Goods and Services Tax) and SGST (State Goods and Services Tax) or UTGST (Union Territory Goods and Services Tax).
- Puducherry is a union territory, and Chennai is in Tamil Nadu.
- Since Puducherry and Chennai are not in the same state or union territory, the transaction is considered inter-state.
- Therefore, IGST is applicable for this supply as well.
Thus, for both supplies, from West Bengal to Chandigarh and from Puducherry to Chennai, IGST is applicable. This makes Option 2 the correct choice.
Question No.3
Match the LIST-I with LIST-II
| LIST – I (Key definition Under IT Act 2000) | LIST – II (Sections) | ||
| A. | Addressee | I. | Section 2(1)(f) of the Information Technology Act 2000 |
| B. | Adjudicating Officer | II. | Section 2(1)(d) of the Information Technology Act 2000 |
| C. | Affixing Electronic Signature | III. | Section 2(1)(c) of the Information Technology Act 2000 |
| D. | Asymmetric Crypto System | IV. | Section 2(1)(b) of the Information Technology Act 2000 |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
- A – IV, B – III, C – II, D – I
- A – III, B – IV, C – I, D – II
- A – II, B – I, C – III, D – IV
- A – I, B – II, C – III, D – IV
Solutions:
The correct answer is ‘A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I’.
Key Points
- Addressee (A) matches with Section 2(1)(b) of the Information Technology Act 2000 (IV).
- Explanation: An addressee is defined in Section 2(1)(b) of the Information Technology Act 2000 as the person who is intended by the originator to receive the electronic record, but does not include any intermediary.
- Adjudicating Officer (B) matches with Section 2(1)(c) of the Information Technology Act 2000 (III).
- Explanation: An Adjudicating Officer is defined in Section 2(1)(c) of the Information Technology Act 2000 as the adjudicating officer appointed under sub-section (1) of Section 46.
- Affixing Electronic Signature (C) matches with Section 2(1)(d) of the Information Technology Act 2000 (II).
- Explanation: Affixing electronic signature is defined in Section 2(1)(d) of the Information Technology Act 2000 as the adoption of any methodology or procedure by a person for the purpose of authenticating an electronic record by means of digital signature.
- Asymmetric Crypto System (D) matches with Section 2(1)(f) of the Information Technology Act 2000 (I).
- Explanation: An asymmetric crypto system is defined in Section 2(f)(b) of the Information Technology Act 2000 as a system of a secure key pair consisting of a private key for creating a digital signature and a public key to verify the digital signature.
Additional Information
- The Information Technology Act 2000 was enacted to provide legal recognition for transactions carried out by means of electronic data interchange and other means of electronic communication, commonly referred to as “electronic commerce”.
- The Act also aims to facilitate electronic filing of documents with the Government agencies and further to amend the Indian Penal Code, the Indian Evidence Act, 1872, the Bankers’ Books Evidence Act, 1891, and the Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934.
Question No.4
Quasi contracts are based on the doctrine of
- Unjust enrichment
- Just enrichment
- Unjust Richment.
- Misrepresentation
Solutions:
The correct answer is – Unjust enrichment
Key Points
- Unjust enrichment
- Quasi contracts are legal constructs imposed by courts to prevent one party from being unjustly enriched at the expense of another.
- This doctrine ensures that a person who benefits from someone else’s loss or expense must compensate the other party.
- It is applied in situations where there is no actual contract between the parties, but equity demands restitution.
- Examples include situations where one party mistakenly receives money or property that rightfully belongs to another.
Additional Information
- Just enrichment
- This term suggests a fair or equitable gain, which is not applicable in the context of quasi contracts as they address unfair or unjust gains.
- Unjust Richment
- This appears to be a typographical error and does not relate to the legal principle of quasi contracts.
- Misrepresentation
- Misrepresentation involves providing false information to induce another party into a contract. It is a separate legal concept dealing with the validity of contracts, not with unjust enrichment.
Question No.5
Which of the following points are considered as salient features of Limited Liability Partnership (LLP)?
A. LLP is a body corporate
B. LLP is a legal entity separate from its partners
C. LLP does not enjoy a perpetual succession
D. Partners of LLP have unlimited liability
E. LLP is an artificial legal person
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
- A, B and E Only
- B, C and D Only
- C, D and E Only
- C and D Only
Solutions:
The correct answer is A, B and E Only.
Key Points
Let’s analyze each factor:
- LLP is a body corporate
- An LLP (Limited Liability Partnership) is considered a body corporate, meaning it is a separate legal entity created by law.
- Reason for inclusion: This is a defining characteristic of an LLP, distinguishing it from other forms of partnerships.
- LLP is a legal entity separate from its partners
- An LLP has its own legal identity, separate from its partners, allowing it to own property, incur debts, sue, and be sued in its own name.
- Reason for inclusion: This separateness is a fundamental feature that provides limited liability protection to its partners.
- LLP does not enjoy a perpetual succession
- Perpetual succession means the continuity of the entity despite any changes in its membership. LLPs do enjoy perpetual succession.
- Reason for exclusion: The statement is incorrect; therefore, it is not a salient feature of an LLP.
- Partners of LLP have unlimited liability
- In an LLP, partners have limited liability, meaning they are not personally liable for the debts of the LLP beyond their contributions.
- Reason for exclusion: The statement is incorrect; hence, it cannot be considered a feature of LLPs.
- LLP is an artificial legal person
- An LLP is recognized by law as an artificial legal person, which allows it to perform various legal activities.
- Reason for inclusion: This is a characteristic feature of an LLP, aligning it with other corporate entities.
Therefore, the salient features of an LLP include A: LLP is a body corporate, B: LLP is a legal entity separate from its partners, and E: LLP is an artificial legal person. This makes option 1: “A, B and E Only” the correct choice.
Question No.6
Which one of the following is not a social network of social media platform?
- Blogs
- YouTube
Solutions:
The correct answer is Blogs
Key Points
- Blogs:
- Blogs are typically considered a form of content platform rather than a social network. They allow users to publish articles, share information, and provide commentary on various topics.
- While blogs can have social features such as comments and sharing options, they primarily serve as a medium for individuals and organizations to disseminate information, rather than facilitating direct social interactions and networking.
Additional Information
- Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube:
- These platforms are designed to foster social interactions and networking among users. They provide features such as user profiles, friend or follower connections, messaging, and content sharing.
- Facebook is a comprehensive social networking site that allows users to connect, share content, and interact with each other through posts, comments, and messaging.
- Twitter is a microblogging platform where users can post short messages (tweets) and engage with others through retweets, likes, and replies, making it highly interactive and social.
- YouTube is a video-sharing platform that enables users to upload, share, and view videos. It also provides social features like comments, likes, and subscriptions, facilitating interaction between content creators and viewers.
Question No.7
A contract of Indemnity is a:
- Wagering Agreement
- Quasi Contract
- Void Contract
- Contingent Contract
Solutions:
The correct answer is – Contingent Contract
Key Points
- Contingent Contract
- A contract of indemnity is a type of contingent contract.
- A contingent contract is a contract to do or not to do something if some event, collateral to such contract, does or does not happen.
- In a contract of indemnity, the indemnifier promises to compensate the indemnified party for losses or damages upon the occurrence of a specific event.
- For example, insurance contracts are typically indemnity contracts where the insurer agrees to indemnify the insured for losses arising from certain specified events.
Additional Information
- Wagering Agreement
- A wagering agreement is a contract where two parties agree that a certain sum of money or other stake will be paid or received depending on the outcome of an uncertain event.
- Wagering agreements are generally considered void and unenforceable under the law because they are based on chance rather than any legal consideration.
- Quasi Contract
- A quasi contract is not a contract but an obligation imposed by law to prevent unjust enrichment.
- It is created by courts where no actual contract exists, but one party is unjustly enriched at the expense of another.
- Void Contract
- A void contract is an agreement that is not legally enforceable from the beginning.
- This can be due to factors like illegality, lack of capacity, or other reasons that make the contract invalid.
Question No.8
If new contract is substituted in place of an existing contract, it is called
- Waiver
- Remission
- Novation
- Alteration
Solutions:
The correct answer is – Novation
Key Points
- Novation
- Novation is the act of replacing an existing contract with a new one, with the consent of all parties involved.
- This typically involves substituting a new party for one of the original parties to the contract, relieving the original party of their obligations.
- Novation requires the agreement of all parties involved, as it entails creating a new contract and extinguishing the old one.
- It is commonly used in corporate finance, real estate transactions, and other business dealings where contractual obligations need to be transferred.
Additional Information
- Waiver
- A waiver is the voluntary relinquishment or surrender of some known right or privilege.
- In contract law, a waiver allows a party to choose to relinquish certain rights or claims without nullifying the entire contract.
- It does not create a new contract but rather modifies the terms of the existing one.
- Remission
- Remission refers to the cancellation or reduction of a debt or obligation.
- It is often used in the context of forgiving debts or reducing the amount owed.
- Remission does not involve creating a new contract but rather altering the terms of the existing contract.
- Alteration
- Alteration involves making changes to the terms and conditions of an existing contract.
- Unlike novation, alteration does not replace the original contract with a new one.
- It simply modifies specific terms while keeping the original contract intact.
Question No.9
Match the LIST-I with LIST-II
| LIST – I Financial Inclusion Yojana | LIST – II Year | ||
| A. | PM Jan Dhan | I. | 2016 |
| B. | PM Mudra | II. | 2014 |
| C. | Stand Up India | III. | 2017 |
| D. | Vaya Vandana | IV. | 2015 |
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
- A – II, B – IV, C – I, D – III
- A – II, B – I, C – IV, D – III
- A – IV, B – I, C – III, D – II
- A – II, B – III, C – I, D – IV
Solutions:
The correct answer is ‘A-II, B-IV, C-I, D-III’.
Key Points
- PM Jan Dhan (A) matches with 2014 (II).
- Explanation: The Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY) was launched in 2014 to ensure access to financial services, such as banking/savings & deposit accounts, remittance, credit, insurance, and pension, in an affordable manner.
- This initiative aims at providing financial inclusion and banking services to all households in India.
- Key Point: PMJDY has been a significant step towards making financial services accessible to the unbanked population in India.
- PM Mudra (B) matches with 2015 (IV).
- Explanation: The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana (PMMY) was launched in 2015 to provide loans to small and micro enterprises. The scheme aims to support the development and refinancing of micro-enterprises by providing collateral-free loans.
- The loans under PMMY are provided by Commercial Banks, RRBs, Small Finance Banks, MFIs, and NBFCs.
- Key Point: PMMY facilitates access to finance for small businesses, promoting entrepreneurship and economic growth.
- Stand Up India (C) matches with 2016 (I).
- Explanation: The Stand Up India scheme was launched in 2016 to promote entrepreneurship among women and SC/ST communities by facilitating bank loans between Rs. 10 lakh and Rs. 1 crore for setting up greenfield enterprises.
- The scheme aims to create an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem by providing financial support and guidance.
- Key Point: Stand Up India helps in fostering entrepreneurship among underrepresented groups, contributing to economic development.
- Vaya Vandana (D) matches with 2017 (III).
- Explanation: The Pradhan Mantri Vaya Vandana Yojana (PMVVY) was launched in 2017 as a pension scheme for senior citizens, providing them with a guaranteed return on their investment and regular pension income.
- The scheme is managed by the Life Insurance Corporation of India (LIC) and aims to provide financial security to senior citizens.
- Key Point: PMVVY offers a secure investment option with assured returns for senior citizens, helping them to manage their post-retirement financial needs.
Question No.10
Which of the following points are considered as essential characteristics of a Promissory Note?
A. It must be in writing
B. It must not contain an undertaking or promise to pay
C. The promise to pay must be conditional
D. A promissory note must be signed by the maker.
E. Promise to pay money only
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
- A, D and E Only
- A, B and E Only
- B, C and D Only
- B and D Only
Solutions:
The correct answer is A, D and E Only.
Key Points
Let’s analyze each factor:
- A. It must be in writing
- A promissory note must be documented in a written format to be legally enforceable.
- Reason for inclusion: This is a fundamental requirement for a promissory note to ensure clarity and legal validity.
- B. It must not contain an undertaking or promise to pay
- This statement is incorrect as a promissory note must contain a clear promise to pay a certain amount.
- Reason for exclusion: A promissory note without a promise to pay does not fulfill its primary purpose.
- C. The promise to pay must be conditional
- This statement is incorrect as the promise to pay in a promissory note must be unconditional.
- Reason for exclusion: A conditional promise undermines the certainty required for a promissory note.
- D. A promissory note must be signed by the maker
- The signature of the maker is essential to authenticate the document and confirm the promise to pay.
- Reason for inclusion: The signature provides legal acknowledgment and commitment from the maker.
- E. Promise to pay money only
- A promissory note must involve a promise to pay a specific sum of money.
- Reason for inclusion: The note must be limited to a monetary obligation to meet the definition of a promissory note.
Therefore, the factors that are essential characteristics of a promissory note are A: It must be in writing, D: A promissory note must be signed by the maker, and E: Promise to pay money only.
Question No.11
Which one of the following conditions is not true as per IRDA Act, 1999, for entry of private players into the insurance market?
- The company’s sole purpose is to carry on life insurance business or general insurance business or reinsurance business.
- The minimum paid up equity capital for life insurance or general insurance business is Rs. 100 crore.
- The minimum paid up capital for carrying reinsurance business is Rs. 300 crore.
- Insurance companies are required to invest not less than 15 percent of their funds in infrastructure and social sectors.
Solutions:
The correct answer is The minimum paid up capital for carrying reinsurance business is Rs. 300 crore.
Key Points
Let’s analyze each condition:
- The company’s sole purpose is to carry on life insurance business or general insurance business or reinsurance business.
- This condition ensures that the company focusing solely on insurance business can channel all its resources and expertise to serve the insurance needs better without any distractions from other business activities. This is a requirement as per the IRDA Act, 1999, to maintain focus and integrity in the insurance sector.
- Conclusion: This condition is true as per the IRDA Act, 1999.
- The minimum paid up equity capital for life insurance or general insurance business is Rs. 100 crore.
- The minimum paid-up equity capital requirement is to ensure that the insurance company has a sufficient financial base to cover the risks while providing stability and confidence to the policyholders. The IRDA Act, 1999, specifies this requirement to protect the interests of the policyholders and maintain market stability.
- Conclusion: This condition is true as per the IRDA Act, 1999.
- The minimum paid up capital for carrying reinsurance business is Rs. 300 crore.
- Reinsurance companies provide insurance to insurance companies, which involves very high-value transactions. A substantial paid-up capital requirement ensures that the reinsurance company can meet its financial obligations. However, as per the IRDA Act, 1999, the actual minimum paid-up capital required for a reinsurance business is Rs. 200 crore. Therefore, stating Rs. 300 crore is incorrect.
- Conclusion: This condition is not true as per the IRDA Act, 1999.
- Insurance companies are required to invest not less than 15 percent of their funds in infrastructure and social sectors.
- This condition ensures that insurance companies contribute to the development of the country’s infrastructure and social welfare, promoting economic growth and stability. This investment mandate is intended to support long-term national interests and is specified in the IRDA guidelines.
- Conclusion: This condition is true as per the IRDA Act, 1999.
Question No.12
Arrange the following point (Section wise from Section 14 to 18) of the Indian Contract Act
A. Definition of free consent
B. Misrepresentation
C. Fraud
D. Undue influence
E. Coercion
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:
- E, D, C, B, A
- D, E, C, A, B
- B, D, E, A, C
- A, E, D, C, B
Solutions:
The correct answer is ‘A, E, D, C, B’
Key Points
- Definition of free consent (A):
- This is defined under Section 14 of the Indian Contract Act. Free consent refers to an agreement made without any coercion, undue influence, fraud, misrepresentation, or mistake.
- It is a fundamental requirement for the validity of a contract, ensuring that all parties involved voluntarily agree to the terms and conditions.
- Coercion (E):
- Defined under Section 15 of the Indian Contract Act, coercion refers to committing or threatening to commit any act forbidden by the Indian Penal Code or unlawful detainment of any property, with the intention of causing any person to enter into an agreement.
- Coercion undermines the free will of a party and affects the legitimacy of the contract.
- Undue influence (D):
- Section 16 of the Indian Contract Act defines undue influence as an influence exerted by one party over another, where the influencing party is in a position to dominate the will of the other party and uses that position to obtain an unfair advantage.
- Contracts formed under undue influence can be deemed voidable.
- Fraud (C):
- Under Section 17 of the Indian Contract Act, fraud includes any act committed by a party to a contract, or with his connivance, or by his agent, with the intent to deceive another party or to induce him to enter into the contract.
- Fraudulent activities invalidate the affected party’s consent, making the contract voidable at their option.
- Misrepresentation (B):
- Section 18 of the Indian Contract Act defines misrepresentation as a false statement made innocently, or a breach of duty which, without an intent to deceive, induces another party to enter into a contract.
- Like fraud, misrepresentation also affects the consent of the party and can make the contract voidable.
Additional Information
- The Indian Contract Act, 1872, is a comprehensive statute that governs the law of contracts in India.
- The Act is divided into two parts: the first part deals with the general principles of law of contract and the second part contains special kinds of contracts such as Indemnity and Guarantee, Bailment and Pledge, and Agency.