UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2022

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?

  1. 1 and 2 only
  2. 1, 2 and 4
  3. 3 and 4 only
  4. 3 only

Answer

Correct Answer

1, 2 and 4

Explanation

Statements 1, 2 and 4 are correct: the Contempt of Courts Act 1971 followed the Sanyal Committee report; Articles 129 and 215 empower SC/HC to punish for contempt of themselves; Article 142(2) allows Parliament to legislate on contempt. Statement 3 is incorrect — the Constitution itself does not define civil/criminal contempt (that is done in the 1971 Act).

Topics: contempt of court, contempt of courts act 1971, judiciary, polity