Polity · 2 Aug 2026

Force Gradient Doctrine

Consider the following pairs: Term - Correct Context 1. Force Gradient - Escalation sequence from verbal warning to non-lethal deterrents to kinetic weapons 2. Rapid Action Force - Raised in 1992 as CRPF's specialised anti-riot wing 3. Public Order - Entry 2 of the Union List under the Seventh Schedule 4. Delhi Police - Falls under direct Union (MHA) control unlike most states How many of the above pairs are correctly matched?

AOnly one pair

BOnly two pairs

COnly three pairs

DAll four pairs

This question is based on: 16 CRPF Companies Withdrawn From Delhi - But Is Anyone Actually Accountable?

Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 2 Aug 2026

About this question

Why in news

The MHA withdrew 16 CRPF companies, including 12 RAF units, from Delhi Police duty after an internal review found the force gradient was breached during a July 20 protest, resulting in pellet gun injuries.

Why for UPSC

UPSC often probes whether candidates can distinguish general constitutional rules (police as a State List subject) from context-specific exceptions like Delhi's Union-controlled policing - a distinction this article's own analysis turns on.

Prelims summary

Public order and police are State List subjects, but Delhi is a constitutional exception where the Union directly controls policing through the MHA, creating a unique accountability structure for CAPF conduct.

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