Q1. Which constitutional article serves as the genesis of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986?
- Article 32 and Article 226
- Article 14 and Article 21
- Article 48A and Article 51A(g)
- Article 370 and Article 356
Correct Option: 3. Article 48A and Article 51A(g)
Explanation: Article 48A (Directive Principles of State Policy) directs the State to protect and improve the environment, while Article 51A(g) makes it a duty of every citizen to protect nature. These articles form the constitutional basis for the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986.
Q2. Which of the following statements about the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 is FALSE?
- It empowers the central government to close polluting industries
- It allows private citizens to file complaints after giving notice
- Civil courts have jurisdiction under this Act
- It deals with hazardous substance handling
Correct Option: 3. Civil courts have jurisdiction under this Act
Explanation: The Act bars civil courts from intervening in matters under its purview. It empowers government agencies and gives legal access to citizens after due notice, but does not permit civil courts to handle such cases.
Q3. Under the 2022 Amendment to the EP Act, what major change was introduced?
- The Act was repealed
- Environment courts were abolished
- Jail sentences were doubled
- Jail terms were replaced with monetary fines
Correct Option: 4. Jail terms were replaced with monetary fines
Explanation: The 2022 amendment removed imprisonment for many offences and replaced it with higher fines (₹5 lakh to ₹5 crore). Serious violations may still attract action under IPC.
Q4. What is the minimum penalty under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 for violations before the 2022 amendment?
- ₹10,000 fine only
- Imprisonment up to 5 years or ₹1 lakh fine or both
- Community service and a warning
- ₹5,000/day fine only
Correct Option: 2. Imprisonment up to 5 years or ₹1 lakh fine or both
Explanation: The original Act imposed imprisonment up to 5 years and/or a fine of ₹1 lakh. Continuous violations attracted an additional ₹5,000 per day, and up to 7 years’ imprisonment if it persisted for a year.
Q5. Which of the following is a point source of water pollution?
- Discharge from a sewage pipe
- Agricultural runoff
- Oil spills from ships
- Rainfall washing pesticides from fields
Correct Option: 1. Discharge from a sewage pipe
Explanation: Point source pollution originates from a single, identifiable source, such as a pipe or drain. Non-point sources like runoff are diffuse and harder to trace.