Answering legal reasoning questions for CLAT can seem complex at first glance. This section plays a big role in the CLAT exam, testing your ability to apply legal principles to various scenarios.
It’s not just about memorizing laws; it’s about understanding how to think like a lawyer. As CLAT 2025 approaches, mastering legal reasoning becomes crucial for every aspirant aiming for a seat in prestigious National Law Universities (NLUs) and law schools.
Here, we have covered numerous CLAT legal reasoning questions from previous year papers.
What is Legal Reasoning in CLAT?
Legal reasoning is a fundamental component of the Common Law Admission Test (CLAT), designed to assess a candidate’s aptitude for understanding and applying legal principles. In CLAT, legal reasoning includes a unique combination of logical analysis and legal knowledge, and it’s critical for candidates to grasp its essence for successful performance in the exam.
Legal reasoning questions in CLAT include a set of facts or scenarios, followed by a series of questions. Candidates are required to apply legal principles or rules to these scenarios to deduce the correct answer. These principles are provided within the question itself, so prior legal knowledge isn’t strictly necessary.
Also read: Which Stream is Best for CLAT After 10th? Best Subjects 2024
Skills Tested in CLAT Legal Reasoning
- Comprehension Skills: Understanding the given information, the context, and the underlying legal principles.
- Analytical Abilities: Analyzing the facts in light of the legal principles and making logical deductions.
- Critical Thinking: Evaluating different arguments or viewpoints to reach a conclusion.
- Application of Legal Knowledge: Although prior legal knowledge isn’t a prerequisite, familiarity with basic legal concepts can be advantageous.
- Types of Legal Reasoning: Questions may involve various areas of law, such as criminal law, tort law, contract law, and more. The candidate’s ability to interpret and apply legal rules to specific situations is crucial.
CLAT Legal Reasoning Questions: General Overview
Check out the table to know the highlights of the test for legal reasoning in the CLAT exam:
| Particulars | Details |
| Type of questions | Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) |
| Total number of questions | Each passage: 4 to 5 Total number of questions: 28 – 32 |
| Weightage | About 25% |
| Number of passages | 4 to 5 passages |
| Passage length | Around 450 words, focusing on actual events with legal solutions |
| Skills tested | Ability to differentiate and understand the rules and principles given in the passage. Apply the provided rules and principles to several fact situations. Know how changes to the regulations or principles may modify their application to several fact circumstances |
| Total Marks | 28 to 32 |
| Negative Marking | 0.25 for each incorrect answer |
| Difficulty Level | Moderate with legal-technical language |
| Important topics | Law of Contracts, Personal Law, Constitution, Volenti Non-fit Injuria, Jurisdiction, legal maxims, etc. |
Also read: CLAT Selection Process 2025: All Details
CLAT Legal Reasoning Questions
The following are some legal reasoning questions (with passages) from a previous year paper:
Assume that the statements in the passages are the applicable law.
Passage 1:
“Quashing a case of cruelty that was filed against a man by his wife, the Bombay High Court said that if a married lady is asked to do household work for the family, it cannot be said that she is treated “like a maid servant”. The Court was hearing an application by the husband and his parents seeking that proceedings against them are quashed. A First Information Report (“FIR”) was filed against the trio in September 2020, around nine months after the marriage, alleging that they hounded the woman for money to purchase a car, harassed her mentally and physically and treated her like a maid servant. Examining the evidence, the Court found that there was no merit to the woman’s allegations. The Court said that though the FIR says that she was treated properly for about a month and then “like a maid servant”, there are no details of what this meant. The Court added: “If a married lady is asked to do household work for the purpose of the family, it cannot be said that it is like a maid servant.” The Court held that the mere use of the word harassment “mentally and physically” in the FIR is not sufficient to constitute an offence Section 498A of the Indian Penal Code (“IPC”), which punishes the husband, or a relative of the husband of a woman who subjects her to cruelty in any way. It is interesting to note that Section 498A of the IPC also provides that if a married woman is actually treated like a ‘maid servant’, it would be an offence under that Section.”
[Extracted, with edits and revisions, from “If Wife Is Asked To Do Household Work, Does Not Mean She Is Treated Like Maid: Bombay HC”, The Wire]
Question 1
Ashwin and Ashima were married in February 2020. In March 2020, Ashwin asked Ashima to take care of all their household work, such as cooking, cleaning, and other domestic chores, as he was very busy with his professional responsibilities. Ashima claims that this amounts to treating her like a maid servant and constitutes an offence under Section 498A of the IPC. Applying the Bombay High Court decision, is she likely to succeed?
(a) Yes, since Ashwin had only asked Ashima to do their household work, and not for others.
(b) No, since Ashwin had only asked Ashima to do their household work, and not for others.
(c) Yes, since Ashwin had asked Ashima to do household work for themselves as well as others.
(d) No, since treating a married woman like a maid servant would not amount to an offence under that Section.
Answer: (b)
Question 2
In April 2020, Ashwin’s friend Rakesh visits Ashwin and Ashima’s home, and stays with them for a few days. During his visit, he is very mean to Ashima, and uses abusive language with her. He also threw a plate at her one evening when he was unhappy with the meal that she had prepared. Ashima now claims that Rakesh has committed an offence under Section 498A of the IPC. Is she likely to succeed?
(a) No, since Rakesh’s actions were perfectly justifiable for a man who does not get a well-cooked meal.
(b) Yes, since Rakesh’s use of abusive language and throwing the plate at Ashima clearly amount to cruelty.
(c) No, since Rakesh is not her husband, nor is he related to Ashwin.
(d) Yes, since Rakesh was staying at Ashwin and Ashima’s home at the time of the incident.
Answer: (c)
Question 3
Frustrated and upset with her marriage, Ashima applies for and is granted a divorce from Ashwin in November 2020. Since she and Ashwin had been friends for many years before they got married, she stays in touch with him. She moves into her own apartment and starts going to office regularly at a new job. Ashwin is very upset at this and starts treating Ashima very cruelly. Ashima again claims that Ashwin has committed an offence under Section 498A of the IPC. Is she right?
(a) Yes, since Ashwin has, as we are told, treated her cruelly.
(b) Yes, since Ashwin has been her husband.
(c) No, since Ashwin was understandably upset at Ashima’s behaviour.
(d) No, since she is no longer married to Ashwin.
Answer: (d)
Question 4
Assume that the government passes a new law in January 2021, called the Protection of Rights of Married Women Act, 2021 (the “POMWA”), according to which, asking a married woman to take care of household chores would be an offence. The POMWA also provides that if a man commits such an offence, he would have to pay compensation to the woman. The PoMWA even applies to actions that were committed any time in the three years prior to the new law coming into force, and even if the man and woman involved in the matter were no longer married. Upon hearing about this new law, Ashima once again alleges that Ashwin has committed an offence under Section 498A of the IPC, and claims compensation under the PoMWA for his actions. Is she right, and will she succeed?
(a) Ashima is right about Ashwin committing an offence under Section 498A of the IPC, but she will not get compensation under the POMWA.
(b) Ashima will get compensation under the POMWA, but she is not right committing an offence under Section 498A of the IPC.
(c) Ashima will get compensation under the POMWA, and she is also right about Ashwin
committing an offence under Section 498A of the IPC.
(d) Ashima will neither get compensation under the POMWA, nor is she right about Ashwin
committing an offence under Section 498A of the IPC.
Answer: (b)
Question 5
Assume that in March 2021, the government changes Section 498A of the IPC. The effect of this change is that asking a married woman to do household chores – even for their own family – by herself would be considered cruelty, and therefore, an offence under the Section. Some days after this change comes into effect, Shamita, Ashima’s friend at work, tells her that her husband has been forcing her to do all the household work by herself. Ashima tells Shamita that her husband’s actions would amount to an offence under Section 498A of the IPC, even though Ashima herself has been unsuccessful in having Ashwin convicted under that Section in the past. Is Ashima’s advice to Shamita correct?
(a) Yes, since Section 498A has now been changed, and Shamita’s husband’s actions would now be an offence under the changed Section 498A.
(b) No, since Ashima has been unsuccessful in having Ashwin convicted under that Section in the past.
(c) Yes, since the passing of the Protection of Married Women Act has resulted in Shamita’s husband’s actions being made illegal.
(d) No, since Ashima is only Shamita’s friend, and only the married woman herself can file a complaint under Section 498A of the IPC.
Answer: (a)
Passage 2:
“Parliament passed the Criminal Procedure (Identification) Act, 2022 (the “Act”) in March 2022. The legislation enables police and central investigating agencies to collect, store and analyse the measurements of arrested persons. Until rules are notified, an Act cannot be implemented or come into force. On September 19, 2022, the Ministry of Home Affairs (the “MHA”) notified the rules (the “Rules”) under the Act. 19, 202. The Act empowers a Magistrate to direct any person to give measurements to the police, which till now was reserved for convicts and those involved in heinous crimes. It also enables police personnel of the rank of Head Constable or above to take measurements of any person who resists or refuses to give measurements when ordered to do so by a Magistrate. As per the Rules, “measurements” mean finger-impressions, palm-print, footprint, photographs, iris and retina scan, physical, biological samples and their analysis, behavioural attributes including signatures, and handwriting. Though it has not been specified, analysis of biological samples could also include DNA profiling. However, the Rules state that measurements of those detained under preventive Sections of the Code of Criminal Procedure (“CrPC”) shall not be taken unless such person is at that time charged or under arrest in connection with any other offence punishable under any other law. Measurements can also be taken under the Rules if a person has been ordered to give security for his good behaviour for maintaining peace under Section 117 of the CrPC for a proceeding under that Section.”
[Extracted, with edits and revisions, from “Explained | Rules for identifying criminals”, by Vijaita Singh, The Hindu]
Question 1
Bhargesh is arrested by the police on April 11, 2022, on suspicion of having committed a series of minor thefts. During their investigation, the police find some fingerprints at the crime scenes, and on April 12, 2022, they tell Bhargesh that he must provide his finger impressions to them so that they can check whether they match the fingerprints from the crime scenes. When Bhargesh refuses, the police tell him that he has no choice but to provide his measurements, as the Act had been passed by Parliament the previous month. Was Bhargesh bound to provide his finger-impressions under the Act?
(a) No, since Bhargesh had only been arrested, and not convicted.
(b) Yes, since Bhargesh was under arrest.
(c) No, since the Rules had not yet been notified.
(d) Yes, since finger-impressions are included within the definition of “measurements” under the Act
Answer: (c)
Question 2
Bhargesh is later released by the police because they are unable to find enough evidence to make a strong case against him. On October 5, 2022, the police receive a complaint alleging that Bhargesh had beaten up his neighbour and caused the neighbour severe injuries. They ask the local Magistrate to issue an order directing Bhargesh to provide the police his blood samples, so that they can match them against some blood stains that were found on the neighbour’s clothes. The Magistrate issues the order, but Bhargesh refuses to provide the blood samples. Is Bhargesh bound to provide his blood samples to the police under the Act?
(a) Yes, since the crime that Bhargesh was accused of was very serious.
(b) Yes, since the Magistrate had passed an order directing him to do another crime in the past.
(c) Yes, since Bhargesh had already been arrested in connection with another crime in the past
(d) Yes, since the police needed the blood samples to verify Bhargesh’s involvement in the crime.
Answer: (a)
Question 3
On October 15, 2022, the police detained Bhargesh under a preventive Section of the CrPC, since they believe that he had plans to disturb the public peace during a festival day. They then tell Bhargesh that he must provide his measurements to them for their records. Bhargesh refuses again. Is Bhargesh bound to provide his photographs to the police under the Act?
(a) No, since he was not charged or under arrest in connection with any other offence at the time.
(b) No, since that would violate Bhargesh’s right to privacy.
(c) Yes, since the police had detained Bhargesh under a preventive Section of the CrPC.
(d) Yes, since there was a high likelihood that Bhargesh would disturb the public peace on a festival day.
Answer: (b)
Question 4
Two days later, the police obtain an order from the Magistrate directing Bhargesh to provide them his photographs. As Bhargesh continues to refuse to provide his photographs, a regular police constable forces him to stand still and takes his photographs. Bhargesh files a case in court, claiming that the constable’s actions violate the Act. Will he succeed?
(a) Yes, since Bhargesh had been detained under a preventive section of the CrPC.
(b) Yes, since only police personnel of the rank of Head Constable or above can take measurements of any person who resists or refuses to give measurements when ordered to do so by a Magistrate.
(c) No, the Magistrate had issued an order directing him to provide his photographs to the police.
(d) No, since the police constable was only performing his duty.
Answer: (d)
Also read: How to Prepare for CLAT Current Affairs & GK? Expert Tips
Download CLAT Legal Reasoning Questions PDF
To practice more legal reasoning questions of CLAT, download the following previous year papers PDF:
Types of Legal Reasoning Questions for CLAT
The legal reasoning questions for CLAT encompass various types. These questions test your legal knowledge, research aptitude, and problem-solving skills. Let’s talk about the different question types you may expect:
1. Principle and Fact-Based Comprehension Questions
These questions require you to understand legal principles and apply them to factual scenarios to draw logical conclusions.
2. Application of Legal Principles
You will be tested on how well you can apply legal principles to specific situations. And then how you derive conclusions based on them.
3. Topics Covered
The questions may revolve around important legal areas such as:
- Public Policy Questions
- Passage-Based Questions
- Moral Philosophical Enquiries
- Recent Legal News, both Current and Static
- Awareness of Contemporary Legal and Moral Issues
You can expect passages related to legal issues in contract legal reasoning questions for CLAT. Further, they will be followed by questions that assess your ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply legal principles.
4. Question Format
The questions will be in multiple-choice format. Here, each question will carry one mark and a negative marking of 0.25 for incorrect answers will be there.
Understanding the concept of legal reasoning questions in CLAT 2025 is crucial for effective preparation and success in this section.
Also read: What is a Good Score in CLAT 2025 for Selection?
How to Solve Legal Reasoning Questions in CLAT?
Now, you have to understand the essence of legal reasoning. So, let’s delve into effective strategies for tackling these questions. Here’s the answer to the “how to solve legal reasoning questions in CLAT” query:
1. Read Carefully
- The devil is in the details.
- Pay close attention to the facts presented in the question and the options provided.
Highlight Key Points: Underline essential information to stay focused during analysis.
2. Identify the Issue
Determine the central legal issue or principle in the scenario. This will set the foundation for your analysis.
Ask Yourself: What’s the heart of the issue? What legal principle applies here?
3. Apply Legal Principles
Once you’ve identified the issue, apply relevant legal principles or precedents to the situation.
Analogical Reasoning: Draw parallels between the given scenario and similar cases to derive insights.
4. Evaluate Arguments
- Scrutinize the arguments presented in the options.
- Assess their strengths, weaknesses, and relevance to the given facts.
Consider Counterarguments: Anticipate opposing viewpoints and assess their validity.
5. Choose the Best Option
- Select the option that logically follows from your analysis.
- Avoid jumping to conclusions; instead, weigh each option meticulously.
Elimination Technique: If unsure, eliminate improbable options to narrow down your choices.
Mastering questions in legal reasoning in CLAT requires attention to detail, analytical thinking, and strategic selection. By following these steps diligently, you can navigate through complex scenarios with confidence and accuracy.
Also read: CLAT Fee Structure 2024-25 (Registration Form, Exam, Colleges Cost)
Preparation Strategies for CLAT Legal Reasoning Questions
Following are some effective strategies to tackle CLAT 2025 Legal Reasoning questions:
1. Understand the Basics of Law
Start with a solid foundation in basic legal principles and terminology. Familiarize yourself with fundamental concepts in Indian law, including torts, contracts, criminal law, and constitutional law. Use reliable CLAT preparation books and online resources to build a strong base.
2. Develop Critical Reading Skills
Legal reasoning questions in CLAT involve complex passages and scenarios that require careful reading and interpretation. Practice reading legal texts, judgments, and articles to enhance your ability to grasp key points quickly and accurately.
3. Analyze Sample Questions
Work through as many sample legal reasoning questions as you can find. This will help you become familiar with the types of scenarios and questions asked in the CLAT exam. Pay attention to how legal principles are applied in various contexts.
4. Practice Logical and Analytical Thinking
CLAT legal reasoning isn’t just about knowing the law; it’s about applying it logically and analytically to specific situations. Engage in activities that challenge your reasoning skills, such as puzzles, logical reasoning games, and debates.
5. Use Mock Tests and Previous Years’ Papers
Practicing with CLAT mock tests and previous years’ CLAT papers is crucial. This practice helps you get used to the exam format, time constraints, and the pressure of answering questions accurately under time. Analyze your performance to identify areas for improvement.
6. Stay Updated on Current Legal Developments
Being aware of recent legal developments, landmark judgments, and CLAT current affairs related to law and governance can provide a practical edge. Such knowledge not only enriches your understanding of legal principles but can also be directly relevant to the exam.
7. Engage in Group Study and Discussion
Discussing legal scenarios and questions with peers can offer new perspectives and insights. Group study sessions can be particularly helpful for challenging one another’s understanding and interpretation of legal principles.
8. Seek Guidance from Experts
Consider joining offline or online CLAT coaching by Law Prep Tutorial to seek guidance from highly experienced educators. Experienced mentors provide valuable tips, clarify doubts, and offer personalized feedback on your CLAT preparation strategy.
9. Prioritize Time Management
Learn to allocate your time wisely both during your CLAT 2025 preparation and in the exam itself. Practice answering questions within set time limits to improve your speed and efficiency.
10. Stay Positive and Persistent
Preparation for the Legal Reasoning section can be demanding. Stay motivated by setting small, achievable goals and celebrating your progress. Persistence and a positive attitude are key to overcoming challenges in your preparation journey.
Summing Up
Mastering legal reasoning questions is a gradual process that requires diligence and practice. Familiarize yourself with legal principles, hone your analytical skills, and adopt effective strategies. Practice legal reasoning questions for CLAT with answers to tackle these questions with confidence. Remember, practice makes perfect! So, dive into CLAT legal reasoning practice questions, dissect them methodically, and watch your proficiency soar. Best of luck for CLAT 2025!
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