The paper on Law is optional in the CSS competitive examination 2025. Here, you will find the CSS Law past Paper 2025. I will also provide a summary of the paper, in which you will analyze what topics were given and how difficult they were. This lets you better understand the concept of paper and prepare well for future examinations.
CSS Law Past Paper 2025
Q1. Certain categories of communications are recognized as privileged, which precludes any questioning regarding their content. Discuss this concept with reference to the relevant articles of the Qanoon-e-Shahadat Order (QSO).
Q2. Enumerate and define the various forms of Qatal (homicide) as outlined in Chapter XVI of the Pakistan Penal Code, 1860 along with their corresponding punishments.
Q3. What constitutes an issue in legal proceedings? describe how a court formulates issues and whether a court has the authority to amend or strike out an issue once it has been framed.
Q4. Discuss the powers vested in a court concerning the removal of an arbitrator, revocation of his authority, and modification of arbitration awards.
Q5. Elaborate on the concepts of territorial and pecuniary jurisdiction within civil courts as delineated by the West Pakistan Civil Courts Ordinance, 1962.
Q6. Provide a comprehensive overview of the role and functions of a justice of peace according to the criminal procedure code, 1898.
Q7. Define what is meant by a leading question. When can such questions be posed, and what is the appropriate manner for their utilization?
Critical Analysis of the Paper
Certain types of communications are privileged, that is, they are exempted from being disclosed in court cases. The Qanoon-e-Shahadat Order (QSO), 1984, identifies these privileges to preserve confidentiality, faith, and justice in professional and legal relationships. For instance, Article 9 shields communication between spouses, where neither husband nor wife can be forced to reveal intimate talks unless regarding crimes against the spouse or child.
Likewise, Article 12 protects communications between client and attorney, encouraging legal advice in the absence of fear of disclosure. Article 13 also guarantees this privilege in state matters, protecting confidentiality that may weaken national security. Such safeguards secure fundamental rights, enforcing the integrity of the judicial process against excessive openness or secrecy. Qatal (homicide) under Chapter XVI of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), 1860, is divided into various forms, each with specific punishments.
Qatal-e-amd (intentional murder) under Section 302 is the most severe form, punishable by Qisas (equal retaliation), Diyat (blood money), or imprisonment, depending on circumstances. Qatal-bis-sabab (causative murder) under Section 321 is killing caused by an act that inadvertently results in death, punishable by Diyat.
Qatal-shibh-amd (quasi-intentional killing) under Section 315 is where harm is caused with intent but death occurs unintentionally, incurring Diyat or imprisonment. Qatal-khata (manslaughter) under Section 318 includes deaths resulting from accidental or negligent actions, resulting in Diyat and imprisonment.
The PPC therefore distinguishes between different levels of culpability, ensuring proportionate justice. In judicial proceedings, an issue is a precise point in controversy that emerges from pleadings and must be decided by the court. The process of framing issues is regulated by Order XIV of the Civil Procedure Code (CPC), 1908, wherein the court determines material questions of law and fact.
The procedure consists of examining the plaint, written statement, and evidence filed. After being framed, a court may modify or strike out an issue if it finds the issue irrelevant, redundant, or not properly framed under Order XIV, Rule 5 CPC. Such flexibility ensures trials are centered on material disputes, and avoid unnecessary delays and procedural technicalities.
A court has substantial powers over arbitration proceedings, especially in the removal of an arbitrator, withdrawal of his authority, or altering an arbitration award. Under the Arbitration Act, of 1940, a court can exclude an arbitrator if he is guilty of misconduct, unfairly conducts proceedings, or unduly lags. A party may also file for revocation of the authority of an arbitrator on grounds of bias, incompetence, or conflict of interest.
After an award in arbitration is delivered, the court may alter or set aside it under Section 30 of the Act if there are legal mistakes, inconsistencies, or violations of procedure. The judicial check ensures that arbitration does not become unfair and goes against justice. Territorial and pecuniary jurisdiction determine a civil court’s jurisdiction over cases based on location and monetary value.
The West Pakistan Civil Courts Ordinance, of 1962, institutes three tiers of courts: Civil Judge Courts, District Courts, and the High Court. Territorial jurisdiction makes the determination of which court can try a case depending upon where the cause of action occurs. Pecuniary jurisdiction, however, rests on the monetary value of the claim—e.g., lower courts deal with cases involving less money at stake, whereas district courts decide on higher-stakes disputes.
These rules of jurisdiction avoid forum shopping, ensure equitable disposition of cases, and uphold judicial efficiency. A Justice of Peace, as per Sections 22 and 22-A of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), 1898, occupies a significant place in the maintenance of law, public order, and access to justice. Their key activities are to monitor police conduct, register grievances, issue directives to the police, and be involved in matters of bail.
Under Section 22-A, a Justice of Peace may order the police to file an FIR if there has been a genuine complaint unnecessarily overlooked. Moreover, they are empowered to visit prisons, provide fair treatment to detainees, and promote alternative dispute resolution. Their function straddles that of the judiciary and the executive, ensuring the rights of the citizens against the police inaction or misuse of power.
A leading question is a question that impliedly suggests its answer and is usually phrased to affect the witness’s answer. According to Article 136 of the Qanoon-e-Shahadat Order (QSO), 1984, leading questions are usually allowed in cross-examination but not allowed in direct examination except when required to clarify facts. For instance, the question “You were at the scene of the crime, weren’t you?” elicits a specific response instead of allowing the witness to tell things as they happened.
Nevertheless, courts control the application of leading questions to avoid manipulation of evidence, making witness testimony voluntary and impartial. In summary, privileged communications, criminal classifications, judicial jurisdiction, arbitration, and rules of evidence have a central role to play in the shaping of Pakistan’s legal system. Each concept promotes justice, procedural fairness, and protection of rights, and makes legal proceedings more efficient, equitable, and transparent.
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