Mumbai University | Criminology & Correctional Administration | PYQ Nov 2022

Criminology is not merely the study of crime—it is the study of human behaviour, social failure, and the State’s response to deviance. For law students, this subject demands more than definitions; it requires the ability to apply legal principles to real-life situations, as reflected in university examination patterns.

Mumbai University’s previous year question papers offer a clear window into what the examiner actually expects from students of Criminology and Correctional Administration. When analysed carefully, these questions reveal the core syllabus, recurring themes, and areas of high scoring potential.

This blog presents a cleanly rewritten and error-free version of a previous year question paper, designed not just for reading, but for active practice. Each question has been structured in a clear, student-friendly format so that learners can test their understanding, improve answer-writing skills, and align their preparation with examination standards.

For the benefit of students, a downloadable practice file has also been provided alongside this blog, enabling systematic revision and self-assessment.


Instructions: All questions are compulsory. Use relevant case laws wherever necessary.


Question 1. Answer any SIX of the following questions. (Each answer should not exceed two sentences.) (12 Marks)

  1. Under which Act is a prisoner deemed to have committed a prison offence if he fails, without sufficient cause, to comply with any condition of parole?
  2. Which was the last jury trial conducted in India under the Criminal Procedure Code, 1973?
  3. State any two causes of crime.
  4. What is meant by a victimless crime?
  5. In Ramamurthy v. State of Karnataka, for which prison reforms did the Supreme Court issue directions?
  6. Which provision of the Indian Penal Code grants immunity from criminal liability to a person of unsound mind? Explain briefly.
  7. Explain the scope and significance of Article 20 of the Constitution of India.
  8. Define restitution.
  9. What is pyromania?
  10. State any two points of distinction between civil justice administration and criminal justice administration.

Question 2. Write short notes on any TWO of the following. (12 Marks)

  1. White-collar crimes
  2. Differential Association Theory
  3. Victim Compensation Scheme
  4. Preventive theory of punishment

Question 3. Answer any TWO of the following problem-based questions. (12 Marks)

1. Child in Need of Care and Protection

A boy was found begging on the street and was in bad company.

a) How is such a child classified under the Juvenile Justice Act?
b) What remedies are provided under the Juvenile Justice Act to protect such children?


2. Life Imprisonment, Release and Correctional Measures

An accused was convicted under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code and sentenced to life imprisonment. During his incarceration, he was granted temporary release and did not misuse his liberty.

a) On what grounds can an accused be released while undergoing imprisonment?
b) State any three points of distinction between probation and furlough.


3. Rape Conviction and Post-Nirbhaya Legal Reforms

An accused was convicted of rape under the IPC and sentenced to life imprisonment.

a) What changes were introduced in the Indian Penal Code after the Nirbhaya case?
b) What changes were made in juvenile laws after the Nirbhaya case?


4. Right of Private Defence and Criminal Liability

An accused was attacked by an assailant under the influence of drugs. In self-defence, he fired at the assailant, who escaped, but four other persons were accidentally injured by the bullets.

a) What offences, if any, has the accused committed?
b) Which correctional method would be appropriate in such a case?


Question 4. Answer any TWO of the following questions in detail. (24 Marks)

  1. Distinguish between the Juvenile Justice Board and the Child Welfare Committee.
  2. Explain in detail the Positive School of Criminology.
  3. Explain the concept of victimology and its importance in the criminal justice system.
  4. Who is a recidivist? Discuss the causes and remedies of recidivism.

✍Conclusion

Criminology is a subject where clarity of thought matters as much as legal knowledge. Writing precise, well-structured answers—especially in problem-based and descriptive questions—often makes the difference between an average and an excellent score.

By practising previous year questions in a disciplined manner, students not only strengthen their conceptual foundation but also develop the confidence to handle unfamiliar fact situations in the examination hall. This rewritten question paper is intended to serve exactly that purpose: practice with direction, not guesswork.

Students are encouraged to download the attached file, attempt the questions under timed conditions, and critically evaluate their answers with reference to statutory provisions and relevant case laws. Regular engagement with such papers transforms preparation from passive reading into active legal reasoning.

Ultimately, mastery in criminology lies in understanding crime not just as an offence, but as a social phenomenon demanding a balanced response of law, reform, and justice.


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Mumbai University | Criminology & Correctional Administration PYQ | Nov 2023

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