Environment and Human Rights Law Questions Asked in UGC NET Exam | UGC NET (Law) #Special

The UGC NET Exam consistently features questions from Environment and Human Rights Law, reflecting their growing significance in legal education and practice. This subject remains a cornerstone of the exam’s legal framework, covering major legislations, international conventions, case laws, and evolving doctrines. Each year, candidates are tested on their grasp of environmental statutes like the Environment Protection Act, 1986, and human rights instruments such as the UDHR and the Protection of Human Rights Act, 1993.

The official syllabus of UGC NET (Law) for Public International Law and IHL includes the following:

1. Meaning and concept of ‘environment’ and ‘environmental pollution’
2. International environmental law and UN Conferences
3. Constitutional and legal framework for protection of environment in India
4. Environmental Impact Assessment and control of hazardous waste in India
5. National Green Tribunal
6. Concept and development of human rights
7. Universalism and cultural relativism
8. International Bill of Rights
9. Group rights – Women, children, persons with disabilities, elderly persons,
10. minorities and weaker sections
11. Protection and enforcement of human rights in India – National Human Rights
12. Commission, National Commission for Minorities, National Commission for
13. Women, National Commission for Scheduled Castes, National Commission for
14. Schedule Tribes and National Commission for Backward Classes

Environment and Human Rights Law Questions Asked in UGC NET Exam |
UGC NET (Law) #Special

UGC NET December 2024

1. Match List-I with List-II

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. (A)-(II), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), (D)-(III)

2. (A)-(I), (C)-(III), (D)-(IV)

3. (A)-(I), (B)-(IV), (C)-(II), (D)-(III)

4. (A)-(II), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(III)

Answer: 3

2. Which of the Articles of the United Nations Charter sets out the principles on which the United Nations is based?

1. Article 1

2. Article 2

3. Article 52

4. Article 10

Answer: 2

3. Which of the following is Schedule II of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010?

1. List of the Acts Repealed

2. List of the Acts Amended

3. Heads under which compensation or relief for damage may be claimed

4. Rules to be followed by NGT

Answer: 3

4. The Chairperson of the National Green Tribunal shall be appointed by whom?

1. Central Government alone

2. Central Government in consultation with the Chief Justice of India

3. Central Government in consultation with the outgoing Chairperson of the Tribunal

4. Central Government in consultation with the President and Chief Justice of India

Answer: 2

5. The case of Vardhaman Kaushik v. Union of India, decided in 2014-15, is considered unique in the context of resolving the menace of air pollution in Delhi because:

(A) The National Green Tribunal rejected the petition for want of locus standi for the petitioner.

(B) The National Green Tribunal adopted the pragmatic “consultative and deliberated” approach in this case.

(C) The National Green Tribunal rejected the petition for want of jurisdiction in the matter.

(D) The National Green Tribunal permitted the burning of crop remnant in agricultural fields falling in NCR Delhi.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. (D) Only

2. (C) Only

3. (B) Only

4. (A) Only

Answer: 3

6. Match List – I with List – II

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. (A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(II), (D)-(IV)

2. (A)-(IV), (B)-(II), (C)-(III), (D)-(I)

3. (A)-(III), (B)-(I), (C)-(IV), (D)-(II)

4. (A)-(I), (B)-(IV), (C)-(III), (D)-(II)

Answer: 1

7. Arrange the following rules in chronological order made under the Environment Protection Act, 1986:

(A) The Construction and Demolition Waste Management Rules

(B) The Wetland (Conservation and Management) Rules

(C) The Chemical Accidents Rules

(D) The Batteries (Management and Handling) Rules

(E) The Manufacture, Storage and Impacts of Hazardous Chemical Rules

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. (E), (C), (D), (A), (B)

2. (E), (D), (C), (A), (B)

3. (E), (D), (B), (A), (C)

4. (D), (E), (C), (A), (B)

Answer: 2 

8. In the context of refugees, which of the following options provides the analogous Article of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights corresponding to Article 3 of the ECHR?

1. Article 3

2. Article 4

3. Article 5

4. Article 6

Answer: 2

9. Match List – I with List – II

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. (A)-(II), (B)-(III), (C)-(IV), (D)-(I)

2. (A)-(II), (B)-(IV), (C)-(III), (D)-(I)

3. (A)-(II), (B)-(IV), (C)-(I), (D)-(III)

4. (A)-(I), (B)-(II), (C)-(IV), (D)-(III)

Answer: 1

10. The functions of the National Commission for minorities is provided for under which section of the relevant statute?

1. Section 3

2. Section 5

3. Section 7

4. Section 9

Answer: 3

11. Which of the following can be considered as the first case of its kind in India involving issues relating to the environment and ecological balance, which brought the issue of conflict between development and conservation into sharp focus with the Supreme Court emphasizing the need for reconciling the two in the larger interest of the country?

(A) R.L. and E Kendra, Dehradun v. State of UP

(B) Goa Foundation v. Konkan Railway Corporation

(C) T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Union of India

(D) Tarun Bharat Sangh v. Union of India

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. (A) Only

2. (B) Only

3. (C) Only

4. (D) Only

Answer: 1

12. What items are included in the definition of biological resources according to the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023?

(A) Plants and Animals

(B) Microorganisms or parts of their genetic material

(C) Human genetic material

(D) Plants, animals, microorganisms, or parts of the derivatives, including their value-added products

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. (A) and (C) Only

2. (B) and (C) Only

3. (A) and (B) Only

4. (B) and (D) Only

Answer: 4

13. ‘Hazardous Substance’ is defined under which of the following Acts?

1. The Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

2. The Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

3. The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

4. The Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

Answer: 2

UGC NET June 2023

1. Section 28 of the Indian Forest Act, 1927 provides for

1. Protected Areas

2. Reserved Forest

3. Village Forests

4. Power of Forest Settlement Officer

Answer: 3

2. In the light of which of the following Articles of the Constitution of India, the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 was enacted:

1. Article 249

2. Article 250

3. Article 252

4. Article 253

Answer: 4

3. Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below.

Assertion A: Rights to pollution free air and clean water are attributes of the right of a dignified life.

Reason R: These rights are the basic elements that sustain the life.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

1. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A

2. Both A and R are correct and R is NOT the correct explanation of A

3. A is correct but R is not correct

4. A is not correct but R is correct

Answer: 1

4. Given below are two statements: one is labelled as Assertion A and the other is labelled as Reason R.

Assertion A: The polluter pays principle says that the absolute liability for the harm to environment extends not only to compensate the victims of pollution but also to the cost of restoring the environment degradation.

Reason R: The case M.C Mehta v Kamal Nath and other has decided so.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below.

1. Both A and R are correct and R is the correct explanation of A

2. Both A and R are correct and R is NOT the correct explanation of A

3. A is correct but R is not correct

4. A is not correct but R is correct

Answer: 2

5. Which of the following Schedules of the National Green Tribunal (NGT) Act provides for the heads of the compensation:

1. Schedule IV

2. Schedule II

3. Schedule III

4. Schedule I

Answer: 1

6. Under which of the following principles is the “Polluter Pays Principle” is envisaged?

1. Principle 15, Earth Summit, 1992

2. Principles 1 & 2, Stockholm Declaration, 1972

3. Principle 16, Rio Declaration, 1992

4. Principle 5, Rio Declaration. 1992

1. Option 1

2. Option 2

3. Option 3

4. Option 4

Answer: 3

7. A. The preamble of the UN Charter says: “We the peoples, of the United Nations”

B. The preamble of the UN Charter says: “We the people of the United Nations”

C. Maintenance of international peace and security is the primary responsibility of the Security Council

D. Maintenance of International Peace and Security is the primary responsibility of the General Assembly

E. Maintenance of International Peace and Security is the primary responsibility of the International Court of justice.

Choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

1. B and C only

2. A and C only

3. A and D only

4. B and E only

Answer: 2

8. Which of the following cases the Supreme Court observed that the noise pollution cannot be tolerated even if such noise was direct results of and was connected with religious activities?

1. K.M Chinnappa v. Union of India

2. A.P. Pollution Control Board v. Prof. M.V Naidu

3. Church of God (Full Gospel) in India v. KKR Majestic Colony Welfare Association

4. Common Cause v. Union of India

Answer: 3

UGC NET December 2023

1. Which of the following is part of the first generation of Human Rights?

(A) Right to Social Security

(B) Right to Liberty

(C) Equality Before Law

(D) Right to Self-determination

(E) Right to life

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

1. (A), (B), (D) only

2. (B), (C), (E) only

3. (C), (D), (E) only

4. (A), (E) only

Answer: 2

2. As per National Green Tribunal Act, 2010, “Environment” includes water, air and land and other interrelationships, which exists among and between water, air and land and human beings, other living creatures, plants, microorganism and ___________.

1. Ecosystem

2. Biodiversity

3. Property

4. Climate

Answer: 3

3. Which Article in the Constitution of India established National Commission for the Scheduled Castes?

1. Art. 335

2. Art. 338

3. Art. 341

4. Art. 342A

Answer: 2

4. Arrange the following UN Conventions in their chronological order :

(A) UN Convention on Biological Diversity

(B) UN Convention on Climate Change

(C) UN Convention Against Transnational Crimes

(D) UN Convention on the Rights of the Child

(E) UN Convention on Jurisdictional Immunities of States and their property

Choose the correct answer from the options given below :

1. B, C, D, E, A

2. A, D, E, C, B

3. D, B, C, E, A

4. A, D, C, B, E

Answer: 3

5. “To protect and improve the natural environment including forest, lakes, rivers and wildlife and to have compassion for living creatures” is provided under which Part of the Indian Constitution?

1. Fundamental Rights

2. Fundamental Duties

3. Directive Principles of State Policy

4. Obligation of State

Answer: 2

6. Polluter pays principle is also known as

1. Principle of Good Neighbourliness

2. Principle of Common Responsibility

3. Principle of Public Liability

4. Principle of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)

Answer: 4

UGC NET Paper (Law) [December 2021 and June 2022 (merged cycles)], 2022

1. National Commission for Backward Classes has been created through which amendment to the Constitution of India?

1. 100th Amendment

2. 101st Amendment

3. 102nd Amendment

4. 103rd Amendment

Answer: 3

2. Under Article 338(5) of the Constitution of India, National Commission for Scheduled Castes has:

1. The power to issue caste certificates

2. The power to revoke caste certificates

3. The power to decide validity of caste certificates

4. No power to issue/revoke certificates and has no power to decide upon the validity of caste certificates

Answer: 4

3. The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 came into force on:

1. 10 May 2010

2. 18 August 2010

3. 10 December 2010

4. 18 October 2010

Answer: 4 

4. Arrange the following Protocols/Declarations in the correct chronological sequence:

A. Kyoto Protocol

B. Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety

C. Montreal Protocol

D. Nagoya Protocol

E. Rio Declaration on Environment and Development

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. E, A, B, C, D

2. E, B, C, D, A

3. E, C, A, B, D

4. E, D, C, B, A

Answer: 3 

4. Read the following principles of the Rio Declaration on Environment (1992) and select the correct options:

A. Principle 1: Human beings are at the centre of the concern for sustainable development

B. Principle 16: In order to protect the environment, the precautionary approach shall be widely applied by states according to their capabilities

C. Principle 14: Environmental Impact Assessment shall be undertaken for proposed activities that are likely to have a significant adverse impact on the environment

D. Principle 20: Women have a vital role in environmental management and development

E. Principle 24: Peace, development and environmental protection are interdependent and indivisible

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(1) A and D only

(2) B and C only

(3) C and E only

(4) B and E only

Answer: 4

5. The word “Environment” has been defined under which section of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?

(1) Section 2(a)

(2) Section 2(e)

(3) Section 2(d)

(4) Section 2(b)

Answer: 1

6. Match List I with List II

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. A – III, B – I, C – IV, D – II

2. A – III, B – I, C – II, D – IV

3. A – IV, B – II, C – I, D – III

4. A – I, B – II, C – III, D – IV

Answer: 2

7. Match List I with List II

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

(1) A – III, B – IV, C – II, D – I

(2) A – IV, B – II, C – III, D – I

(3) A – III, B – I, C – IV, D – II

(4) A – II, B – I, C – IV, D – III

Answer: 3

8. The following can be appointed as the Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC):

1. Only a person who has been the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court

2. A person who has been the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court or a Judge of the Supreme Court

3. A person who has been the Chief Justice of a High Court

4. A person who has been a Judge of the High Court

Answer: 2

9. Greenhouse effect means:

Increase in atmospheric temperature due to the concentration of greenhouse

1. gases in the atmosphere

2. Growing vegetables and flowers in increased temperature

3. Growing food crops in glass houses

4. Photosynthesis in plants grown in sunlight received in the glass house

Answer: 1

UGC NET November 2021

1. The Preamble to both Environment (Protection) Act and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act were passed to implement the decision reached in one of the following: ‐

1. San Francisco Conference, 1945

2. United Nations Conference on Environment and Development, 1992

3. United Nations Conference on the Human Environment, 1972

4. United Nations Conference on Environment, 1982

Answer: 3

2. The Government of India’s policy on abatement of pollution adopted certain guiding principles in the year 1992. Which of the following is not covered under the said guiding principles?

1. Prevention of pollution at source

2. Adoption of best available technology

3. Involvement of NGO’s for all purposes

4. Public participation in decision making

Answer: 3

3. Which one of the following is not the functions of Human Rights Council?

1. To promote Human Rights education and learning as well as advisory services

2. To decide issues without making any recommendations to the General Assembly

3. To work in close cooperation with the Government regional organization, National Human rights institutions and civil society

4.  To serve as forum for dialogue on thematic issues on all Human rights.

Answer: 2

4. Match List I with List II:

1. A-I, B-II, C-III, D-IV

2. A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I

3. A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I

4. A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III

Answer: 2

5. Arrange the following in chronological order

(A) United Nation Conference on the Human Environment

(B) United Nation Conference on Sustainable Development

(C) United Nations Conference on Environment and Development

(D) World Commission on Environment and Development

(E) United Nations Sustainable Development

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. (A), (B), (C), (D), (E)

2. (B), (A), (D), (C), (E)

3. (A), (D), (C), (B), (E)

4. (E), (D), (B), (C), (A)

Answer: 3

UGC NET September 2020

1. Given below are two statements, one is labeled as Assertion (A) and the other is labeled as Reason(R).

Assertion (A): According to Article 7 of the United Nations Charter, the International Court of Justice is one of the principal organs of the United Nations.

Reason(R): The International Court of Justice consists of 15 judges who are elected by the Security Council.

In light of the above statements, choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. Both (A) and (R) are true and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)

2. Both (A) and (R) are true but (R) is NOT the correct explanation of (A)

3. (A) is true but (R) is false

4. (A) is false but (R) is true.

Answer: 3

2. Arrange the initiatives on climate change in chronological order:

A. Durban conference on climate change

B. Montreal Protocol on climate change

C. Vienna convention on climate change

D. Copenhagen Summit on climate change

E. Kyoto Protocol on climate change

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. A, B, C, D, E

2. B, C, D, E, A

3. A, D, C, B, E

4. C, B, E, D, A.

Answer: 4

3. The responsibilities of Economic and Social Council regarding improvement and protection of human rights is laid down under which Article of U.N Charter?

A. Article 62(2)

B. Article 68

C. Article 76 (C)

D. Article 96

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. A only

2. B only

3. C only

4. D only.

Answer: 2

4. The Commission on Sustainable Development was established in which year?

1. 1972

2. 1982

3. 1992

4. 2002

Answer: 3

5. The provision relating to ‘solid waste management’ is contained under which Schedule of the Constitution of India?

A. Schedule VII

B. Schedule IX

C. Schedule XI

D. Schedule XII

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. A only

2. B only

3. C only

4. D only.

Answer: 4

6.  The provision relating to drinking water is contained under which Schedule of the Constitution of India, 1950?

A. Schedule VII

B. Schedule IX

C. Schedule XI

D. Schedule XII

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. A only

2. B only

3. C only

4. D only.

Answer: 3

7. National Commission of Minorities was established under which of the following provisions?

1. Article 328 of the Constitution

2. Article 328A of the Constitution

3. Section 3 of National Commission of Minorities Act, 1992

4. Article 280 of the Constitution of India.

Answer: 3

8. The legally binding limit to carbon emission was laid down in:

1. Kyoto Protocol on Global Warming, 1997

2. Copenhagen Summit on Climate Change, 2009

3. Durban Conference on Climate Change, 2009

4. Lima Conference on Climate Change.

Answer: 1

9. Match List-I with List-II.

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. A-(i), B-(iii), C-(iv), D-(ii)

2. A-(ii), B-(i), C-(iv), D-(iii)

3. A-(iii), B-(iv), C-(ii), D-(i)

4. A-(iv), B-(iii), C-(i), D-(ii).

Answer: 3

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