In refusing to entertain ’sealed covers’ submitted by the government or its agencies, the Supreme Court has made a noteworthy and welcome shift away from this unedifying practice. At least two Benches have spoken out against it. Recently, in the Muzaffarpur shelter home sexual abuse case, Chief Justice N.V. Ramana wondered why even an ’action taken’ report should be in a sealed envelope. The use of material produced in a ’sealed cover’ as an aid to adjudication is something to be strongly discouraged and deprecated. However, it gained much respectability in recent years, with contents withheld from lawyers appearing against the government, but being seen by the judges alone. Unfortunately, in some cases, courts have allowed such secret material to determine the outcome. In a recent instance, the Kerala High Court perused confidential intelligence inputs produced in a sealed envelope by the Union government to uphold the validity of orders revoking the broadcasting permission given to Malayalam news channel Media One on the ground of national security. It is quite disconcerting to find that courts can rule in favour of the government without providing an opportunity to the affected parties to know what is being held against them. In this backdrop, it is significant that the Supreme Court has decided that it will examine the issue of ’sealed cover jurisprudence’ while hearing the channel’s appeal. For now, the apex court has stayed the revocation order and allowed the channel to resume broadcasting. It is true that the law permits the submission of confidential material to the court in some cases. In addition, courts can order some contents to be kept confidential. The Evidence Act also allows the privilege of non-disclosure of some documents and communications. Even when authorities claim privilege over classified material, they had no objection to judges perusing them to satisfy themselves about the claims. The government usually justifies the submission of secret material directly to the court, citing national security or the purity of an ongoing investigation. Courts have often justified entertaining material not disclosed to the parties by underscoring that it is to satisfy their conscience. However, the practice sometimes has undesirable consequences. It compromises the defence of those accused of some crimes, especially those involving an alleged threat to national security, or money laundering and corruption. Undisclosed material is often used to deny bail, something the apex court criticised the Delhi High Court for doing in a case against former Union Minister P. Chidambaram. It observed that recording a finding based on material kept in a sealed cover was not justified. The main mischief of the ’sealed cover’ practice lies in the scope it gives the state to avoid deep scrutiny of the need and proportionality of its restrictions on freedom. The time has come for the Supreme Court to determine and circumscribe the circumstances in which confidential government reports, especially those withheld from the other side, can be used by courts in adjudication.
According to the passage, 'Sealed cover' reports are...
Show Hint
- Submitted by the defence Lawyers
- Submitted by the Government
- Against Evidence Act
- Not against natural justice
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The question asks who submits the 'sealed cover' reports, as described in the passage.
Step 2: Identifying the Submitting Party in the Passage
The passage consistently associates this practice with the government. Key phrases include:
"In refusing to entertain 'sealed covers' submitted by the government or its agencies..."
"...contents withheld from lawyers appearing against the government..."
"...a sealed envelope by the Union government..."
"The government usually justifies the submission of secret material..."
Step 3: Evaluating the Options
(A) Submitted by the defence Lawyers: The passage states the contents are withheld from the lawyers appearing *against* the government, implying the lawyers are the receiving party (or rather, the party from whom it is withheld), not the submitting party.
(B) Submitted by the Government: This is explicitly and repeatedly stated throughout the passage.
(C) Against Evidence Act: The passage mentions that the Evidence Act actually "allows the privilege of non-disclosure of some documents," suggesting the practice, in some forms, is permitted by law, not against it.
(D) Not against natural justice: The passage strongly implies the practice is against natural justice by stating it's "disconcerting to find that courts can rule... without providing an opportunity to the affected parties to know what is being held against them."
Step 4: Final Answer
The text clearly and consistently identifies the government or its agencies as the party that submits 'sealed cover' reports to the courts. Therefore, option (B) is the correct answer.
According to the passage, the Government justifies submitting sealed cover reports citing...
Show Hint
- National Integrity
- National Security
- National diversity
- Official secrecy
The Correct Option is B
Solution and Explanation
The question asks for the reasons or justifications that the government gives for using the 'sealed cover' practice.
Step 2: Locating the Government's Justification in the Passage
The passage provides the specific reasons cited by the government. It states: "The government usually justifies the submission of secret material directly to the court, citing national security or the purity of an ongoing investigation." Another example given is the Kerala High Court case, which was decided on the "ground of national security."
Step 3: Evaluating the Options
(A) National Integrity: This term is not used in the passage as a justification.
(B) National Security: This is explicitly mentioned multiple times in the passage as a primary justification used by the government.
(C) National diversity: This is not mentioned as a reason.
(D) Official secrecy: While the reports are secret, "official secrecy" is a general concept. The passage gives more specific justifications like "national security." "National security" is the precise reason cited.
Step 4: Final Answer
The passage directly states that the government justifies the use of sealed covers by citing "national security." Therefore, option (B) is the correct answer.
Top Questions on Reading Comprehension
(1) Pancakes, a beloved breakfast dish across the world, has a surprisingly long and diverse history. Archaeological evidence shows that people were cooking pancakes as food as far back as 30,000 years ago on hot stones and primitive griddles.
(2) In ancient Greece and Rome, pancakes were made from wheat flour, olive oil, honey, and curdled milk. They were often served as a sweet treat during festivals or special occasions. In medieval Europe, pancakes became a popular dish during Shrove Tuesday, the day before Lent began. In France, thin crepes became a national delicacy, often filled with sweet or savoury ingredients. In Russia, blinis were made using buckwheat flour and served with sour cream or caviar. In Ethiopia, the spongy injera became a staple food, made from teff flour and used as both a plate and utensil. Similarly, in China, pancakes are often savoury while in Japan, fluffy “souffl´ e pancakes” have become a modern favourite.
(3) The American version of pancakes, thick and soft, gained popularity in the 18th century. The use of baking powder made them light and airy, and they were often served with butter and maple syrup– a symbol of hearty comfort food. Over time, pancakes became a universal dish, symbolizing community and celebration. Whether sweet or savoury, thick or thin, every culture has found a way to adapt this simple food to its own taste and traditions.
(4) India has its own rich tradition of similar dishes that have been enjoyed for centuries. Across the country, almost every region has a version of a pancake– whether sweet or savoury– made from grains, pulses, or rice. These Indian pancakes not only satisfy hunger but also reflect the diversity of India’s culinary culture. In South India, dosas and adai are the most famous forms of pancakes. Made from a fermented batter of rice and lentils, dosas are crisp and light, while adai is thicker and more filling. The fermentation process adds a unique sour flavor and makes them nutritious and easy to digest. In Kerala, the appam, made with fermented rice batter and coconut milk, is soft in the center and crispy at the edges. Moving north, we find the western style cheela, a simple and wholesome Indian pancake made from gram flour, spiced with onions, chillies and coriander. In Maharashtra, the thalipeeth is a multigrain pancake that uses flours like jowar, bajra and rice mixed with spices and vegetables. It is both flavorful and filling, providing a good balance of carbohydrates and proteins.
(5) In the eastern parts of India, pitha is a traditional pancake made during festivals and special occasions. Varieties like patishapta in Bengal are sweet, filled with coconut and jaggery. In Assam and Odisha, pithas can be steamed, fried, or roasted, depending on the custom and region. In the western deserts of Rajasthan and Gujarat, people prepare chilla and handvo, which are savoury western pancake-like dishes baked in traditional ovens. These pancakes are a blank canvas for toppings, waiting for a splash of fruit or a scattering of condiments.
(6) Today, pancakes continue to evolve with new recipes, from vegan and gluten-free varieties to those infused with fruits, oats, or even protein powder. Despite their many forms, they remain a timeless reminder of how food connects mankind through shared history and creativity. Each pancake tells a story of regional identity, food traditions and a deep love for food that brings people together. Pancakes are warm, edible hugs that are a perfect comfort on a bleak day.- CBSE Class X - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
(1) Rate of Internet Reach in India : 2014–2024
The rate of internet reach in India rose over 52% in 2024 from about 14% in 2014. Although these figures seem relatively low, it meant that more than half of the population of 1.4 billion people had internet access that year. This also ranked the country second in the world in terms of active internet users.
(2) Internet availability and accessibility By 2021 the number of internet connections across the country tripled in urban areas because of a higher density of population leading to an increase in the number of connections. However, despite of incredibly low internet prices, internet usage in India has yet to reach its full potential. Lack of awareness about the internet in India persists, especially in rural areas and among women, driven by digital divide, infrastructure limitations, and a lack of perceived need for the internet. This hinders digital adoption, with many not knowing how to use the internet or even being aware of its existence. Targeted awareness campaigns and digital literacy programs are crucial to bridge this gap and ensure people understand and can benefit from the digital ecosystem.
(3) Digital living Home to one of the largest bases of netizens in the world, India is abuzz with internet activities being carried out every moment of every day. From information and research to shopping and entertainment to living in smart homes, Indians have welcomed digital living with open arms.
Rate of Internet Reach in India
- CBSE Class X - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Extract: “We have, at last, achieved our political emancipation. We pledge ourselves to liberate all our people from the continuing bondage of poverty, deprivation, suffering, gender and other discrimination. Never, never, and never again shall it be that this beautiful land will again experience the oppression of one by another. The sun shall never set on so glorious a human achievement.”
(Nelson Mandela– Long Walk to Freedom)- CBSE Class X - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Extract: OOP : I haven’t a clue. I’ve been to seven galaxies, but I’ve never seen anything like this. Maybe they’re hats. (He opens a book and puts it on his head.) Say, maybe this is a haberdashery!
OMEGA:(bowinglow) Perhaps the Great and Mighty Think-Tank will give us the benefit of his thought on the matter.
THINK-TANK:Elementary, my dear Omega. Hold one of the items up so that I may view it closely. (Omega holds a book on the palm of her hand.) Yes, yes, I understand now. Since Earth creatures are always eating, the place in which you find yourselves is undoubtedly a crude refreshment stand.
OMEGA:(to Iota and Oop) He says we’re in a refreshment stand.
OOP:Well, the Earthlings certainly have a strange diet. (The Book that Saved the Earth)- CBSE Class X - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Some say the world will end in fire
some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favour fire.
But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice.
- Robert Frost- CBSE Class X - 2026
- English
- Reading Comprehension
Questions Asked in KLEE exam
- The smallest positive number which is divisible by the numbers 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 is
- KLEE - 2024
- Number System
- Two statements followed by two conclusions are given. Taking the given statements to be true even if they seem to be at variance from commonly known facts, read all the conclusions and then decide which of the given conclusions logically follow from the statements. Statements: 1. Mathematics is essential for all subjects.
2. Statistics is applied in Economics.
Conclusions: I. Mathematics is not needed in Sociology.
II. Economics is applied in Statistics.- KLEE - 2024
- Statements and Conclusions
- A person bought an item for Rs. 1350 and spent Rs.150 towards transportation of the item. Then he sold it for Rs.1800. The profit percentage is
- KLEE - 2024
- Profit & Loss
- Who is considered as the "founding father" of space programmes in India?
- KLEE - 2024
- Science and Technology
- Earth's atmosphere contains
- KLEE - 2024
- Astronomy