GS PrelimsPolityJudiciary Powers2022 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?
Correct Answer: Option B
Explanation
1. Statement 1: The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, was enacted based on the recommendations of a committee headed by Shri H.N. Sanyal, the then Additional Solicitor General. This statement is correct.
2. Statement 2: Article 129 of the Constitution of India states that the Supreme Court shall be a court of record and shall have all the powers of such a court including the power to punish for contempt of itself. Article 215 confers a similar power on the High Courts. This statement is correct.
3. Statement 3: The Constitution of India does not define Civil Contempt and Criminal Contempt. These terms are defined in Section 2 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. This statement is incorrect.
4. Statement 4: Entry 77 of the Union List (List I) gives Parliament exclusive power to legislate on the constitution, organisation, jurisdiction and powers of the Supreme Court (including contempt of such Court). Entry 14 of the Concurrent List (List III) gives both Parliament and State Legislatures the power to legislate on 'Contempt of court, but not including contempt of the Supreme Court'. Thus, Parliament is vested with the powers to make laws on Contempt of Court. This statement is correct.
5. Since statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct, option (B) is the correct answer.
Master UPSC Revision
Get 10,000+ topic-wise MCQs, spaced repetition, daily CSAT challenges, and detailed performance analytics.
Coming Soon to Play Store