UPSC Prelims 2022 · Question 11 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2022 question on Contempt of Courts Act
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2022
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectPolity
- TopicHigher Judiciary (SC and HC)
- DifficultyHard
- TypeStatement
Consider the following statements:
1. Pursuant to the report of H.N. Sanyal Committee, the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was passed.
2. The Constitution of India empowers the Supreme Court and the High Courts to punish for contempt of themselves.
3. The Constitution of India defines Civil Contempt and Criminal Contempt.
4. In India, the Parliament is vested with the powers to make laws on Contempt of Court.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Answer: B. 1, 2 and 4
Verdict
Correct statements: 1, 2 and 4 → Option (b).
Statement by statement
Statement 1 – CORRECT: A committee was set up in 1961 under the chairmanship of H.N. Sanyal, the then additional solicitor general. The committee made a comprehensive examination of the law and problems relating to contempt of court in the light of the position obtaining in various countries. Its recommendations led to the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
Statement 2 – CORRECT: Article 129 of the Constitution gives the Supreme Court the power to initiate contempt cases on its own, independent of the motion brought before it by the AG or with the consent of the AG. Similarly, Article 215 empowers High Courts.
Statement 3 – INCORRECT: The expression 'contempt of court' has not been defined by the Constitution. The Contempt of Court Act, 1971 defines both civil and criminal contempt — not the Constitution.
Statement 4 – CORRECT: Contempt of court seeks to protect judicial institutions from motivated attacks and unwarranted criticism. Parliament is vested with the powers to make laws regarding contempt of court.