Q11 · UPSC Prelims 2022 · Set A · Polity and Governance

← Q10 Q12 →

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?

A 1 and 2 only
B 1, 2 and 4
C 3 and 4 only
D 3 only

Correct answer: (b) 1, 2 and 4

Explanation

  1. A

    1 and 2 only

    1 and 2 only. Parliament’s power to legislate on contempt (statement 4) also holds.

  2. B

    1, 2 and 4

    1, 2 and 4. Sanyal Committee → 1971 Act; Articles 129/215; Union List entry 77/14-type power to make contempt law. The Constitution does not define civil/criminal contempt.

  3. C

    3 and 4 only

    3 and 4 only. Statement 3 is false.

  4. D

    3 only

    3 only. Definitions sit in the 1971 Act, not the Constitution.

Summary. Official key is (b) 1, 2 and 4. The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 followed the H.N. Sanyal Committee. Articles 129 and 215 empower the Supreme Court and High Courts to punish contempt of themselves. Civil and criminal contempt are defined in the Act, not in the Constitution. Parliament can make laws on contempt.

Same topic · past papers

UPSC has asked this before

These previous-year questions sit on the same topic. Open one to practise the earlier ask.

  1. 2018 · Q9 · General Studies · 2 marks

    Consider the following statements: 1. The Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Review Committee Report has recommended a debt to GDP ratio of 60% for the general (combined) government by 2023, comprising 40% for the Central Government and 20% for the State Governments. 2. The Central Government has domestic liabilities of 21% of GDP as compared to that of 49% of GDP of the State Governments. 3. As per the Constitution of India, it is mandatory for a State to take the Central Government's consent for raising any loan if the former owes any outstanding liabilities to the latter. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

    View answer →

PDF