25 exam-style questions on this chapter, written from the actual legal text and tagged for UPSC, Judiciary and CLAT. Five are shown below with answers and explanations — the rest are in the free interactive drill.
Q1 · easy · BNSS S.168
Under Section 168 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, who is required to prevent the commission of cognizable offences?
- A.Only officers‑in‑charge of police stations
- B.Every police officer✓ correct
- C.Any magistrate
- D.All citizens
Why: The provision begins with the words 'Every police officer' and imposes the duty to prevent cognizable offences: 'shall, to the best of his ability, prevent, the commission of any cognizable offence.' This shows the duty is on every police officer.
Read Section 168 — Police to prevent cognizable offences →Q2 · easy · BNSS S.168
Which action does Section 168 explicitly permit a police officer to take for the purpose of prevention?
- A.Arrest without warrant in all cases
- B.Commence prosecution
- C.Refer the matter to a magistrate only
- D.Interpose for the purpose of preventing✓ correct
Why: The provision states that 'Every police officer may interpose for the purpose of preventing,' which expressly permits a police officer to interpose to prevent offences. Other actions (e.g., arrest, prosecution) are not mentioned in the text.
Read Section 168 — Police to prevent cognizable offences →Q3 · medium · BNSS S.168
Does the duty in Section 168 apply to non‑cognizable offences?
- A.It applies only to cognizable offences✓ correct
- B.It applies to all offences (cognizable and non‑cognizable)
- C.It applies only to serious offences irrespective of cognizability
- D.It applies only after the offence has been committed
Why: The provision specifically refers to preventing 'the commission of any cognizable offence,' so its scope as written is limited to cognizable offences. It does not state application to non‑cognizable offences.
Read Section 168 — Police to prevent cognizable offences →Q4 · medium · BNSS S.168
What is the legal standard of obligation placed on a police officer by Section 168 when preventing cognizable offences?
- A.An absolute guarantee to prevent every cognizable offence in all circumstances
- B.No obligation to prevent; only a discretionary power
- C.A duty to prevent to the best of his ability✓ correct
- D.Only an obligation to report offences to higher authorities
Why: Section 168 says the officer 'shall, to the best of his ability, prevent, the commission of any cognizable offence,' which imposes a duty limited by the officer's abilities rather than an absolute guarantee. The text therefore sets a 'best of ability' standard.
Read Section 168 — Police to prevent cognizable offences →Q5 · hard · BNSS S.168
Which is the correct interpretation of the two phrases in Section 168: 'may interpose for the purpose of preventing' and 'shall, to the best of his ability, prevent'?
- A.Both phrases are mandatory; the officer must interpose and must prevent
- B.Interposition is permitted (not mandatory), while prevention is mandatory subject to 'best of his ability'✓ correct
- C.Both phrases are merely permissive and create no obligation
- D.Interposition is mandatory but prevention is only permissive
Why: The provision uses 'may interpose' (permissive) for the act of interposing and 'shall, to the best of his ability, prevent' (mandatory) for the duty to prevent. Thus interposition is allowed but not compelled, while prevention is required as far as the officer is able.
Read Section 168 — Police to prevent cognizable offences →20 more questions on Preventive Action Of The Police
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