Special provision for contracts relating to infrastructure projects — MCQs

All questions with answers and explanations

Read the full set here, or use the practice card above to test yourself one question at a time.

1. Under Section 20A, a court cannot grant an injunction where doing so would:

   • Help a small business
   • Impede or delay the progress or completion of a Schedule-listed infrastructure project (correct answer)
   • Benefit the plaintiff
   • Apply to a private residential contract

   Explanation. Section 20A(1) creates an absolute bar on injunctions that would impede or delay a Schedule-listed infrastructure project.

2. The Schedule listing infrastructure categories was inserted into the Specific Relief Act by:

   • The original 1963 Act
   • The 2018 amendment (correct answer)
   • A 2020 Covid-19 ordinance
   • The Arbitration Act, 1996

   Explanation. The Schedule, read with Sections 20A and 41(ha), was inserted by the Specific Relief (Amendment) Act, 2018.

3. Which of the following is NOT one of the Schedule's five infrastructure categories?

   • Transport
   • Energy
   • Entertainment and media (correct answer)
   • Water and Sanitation

   Explanation. The five categories are Transport, Energy, Water and Sanitation, Communication, and Social & Commercial Infrastructure — not entertainment/media.

4. Under Section 41(ha), an injunction is refused if it would interfere with:

   • The plaintiff's personal life
   • The continued provision of a facility or service related to an infrastructure project (correct answer)
   • A criminal investigation
   • A tax assessment

   Explanation. Section 41(ha) also protects an already-operating infrastructure facility/service from being shut down by injunction.

5. Under Section 20B, Special Courts for infrastructure-contract suits are designated by:

   • The Central Government alone
   • The State Government, in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court (correct answer)
   • The Supreme Court registry
   • The infrastructure company itself

   Explanation. Section 20B requires the State Government, in consultation with the Chief Justice of the High Court, to designate Special Courts.

6. Under Section 20C, a suit filed under the Act relating to infrastructure must generally be disposed of within:

   • 3 months
   • 12 months, extendable by up to 6 more months (correct answer)
   • 5 years
   • There is no time limit

   Explanation. Section 20C: 12 months from service of summons on the defendant, extendable by a further period of not more than 6 months in aggregate, after recording reasons in writing.

7. The Section 20A bar applies specifically to:

   • All remedies, including damages
   • Only injunctions, not damages or specific performance of other obligations (correct answer)
   • Only criminal proceedings
   • Only suits filed by the Government

   Explanation. The bar under Section 20A/41(ha) is aimed at injunctions only. The note says damages, arbitration and other terms of the contract remain available.

8. Which of these would most likely fall within the Schedule's "Social and Commercial Infrastructure" category?

   • A private residential flat
   • A hospital project (correct answer)
   • A personal car loan
   • A wedding contract

   Explanation. The Social and Commercial Infrastructure category expressly includes hospitals, education institutions, sports infrastructure, and similar projects.