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Q81 (IAS/2022) Polity & Governance › Judiciary › Contempt of court Official Key

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 ?

Result
Your answer: —  ·  Correct: B
Explanation

The correct answer is Option 2 (1, 2 and 4) based on the following constitutional and legal provisions:

  • Statement 1 is correct: The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was enacted based on the recommendations of the H.N. Sanyal Committee, which examined the law relating to contempt to bring it in line with constitutional requirements.
  • Statement 2 is correct: Under Article 129 (for the Supreme Court) and Article 215 (for High Courts), the Constitution explicitly designates them as "Courts of Record" with the inherent power to punish for contempt of themselves.
  • Statement 4 is correct: The Parliament has the power to legislate on "Contempt of Court" under Entry 77 of the Union List and Entry 14 of the Concurrent List.
  • Statement 3 is incorrect: The Constitution does not define Civil or Criminal Contempt. These terms are defined under Section 2 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
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Each bar shows the % of students who chose that option. Green bar = correct answer, blue outline = your choice.
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Don’t just practise – reverse-engineer the question. This panel shows where this PYQ came from (books / web), how the examiner broke it into hidden statements, and which nearby micro-concepts you were supposed to learn from it. Treat it like an autopsy of the question: what might have triggered it, which exact lines in the book matter, and what linked ideas you should carry forward to future questions.
Q. Consider the following statements : 1. Pursuant to the report of H.N. Sanyal Committee, the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was passed. 2. T…
At a glance
Origin: From standard books Fairness: High fairness Books / CA: 10/10 · 0/10

This is a classic 'Static Polity' question solvable entirely from standard texts like Laxmikanth. It relies on the recurring 'Definition Trap'—claiming the Constitution defines a term when it is actually defined by a Statute. If you spot that Statement 3 is false (Constitution does not define Civil/Criminal contempt), the answer becomes obvious.

How this question is built

This question can be broken into the following sub-statements. Tap a statement sentence to jump into its detailed analysis.

Statement 1
Was the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 enacted in India pursuant to the report of the H.N. Sanyal Committee on contempt of courts?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III A Court of Record > p. 293
Presence: 5/5
“This committee submitted its report in 1963. Based on the recommendations made by the committee, the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was enacted by the Parliament. Under the Act, the contempt of court may be civil or criminal. The civil contempt means wilful disobedience to any judgement, order, writ or other process of a court or wilful breach of an undertaking given to a court. However, in innocent publication and distribution of matter, fair and accurate report of judicial proceedings and fair criticism of judicial acts do not amount to contempt of court. Under the Act, a contempt of court is pun·ishable with simple imprisonment for a term up to six months or with fine up to ₹2 OOO or with both.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states the committee submitted its report in 1963.
  • Says the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was enacted by Parliament based on the committee's recommendations.
  • Also describes the Act's classification of contempt (civil or criminal), linking the law to the committee's remit.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III A Court of Record > p. 293
Presence: 5/5
“This committee submitted its report in 1963. Based on the recommendations made by the committee, the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was enacted by the Parliament. Under the Act, the contempt of court may be civil or criminal. The civil contempt means wilful disobedience to any judgement, order, writ or other process of a court or wilful breach of an undertaking given to a court. However, in nocent publication and distribution of matter, fair and accurate report of judicial proceedings and fair criticism of judicial acts do not amount to contempt of court. Under the Act, a contempt of court is pun·ishable with simple imprisonment for a term upto six months or with fine upto ₹2 OOO or with both.”
Why this source?
  • Repeats that the committee's report led to the enactment of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
  • Provides supporting detail on the Act (definition of civil contempt and penalties), reinforcing the connection to the committee's recommendations.
Statement 2
Does the Constitution of India empower the Supreme Court and the High Courts to punish for contempt of themselves in matters of contempt of courts in India?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III A Court of Record > p. 293
Presence: 5/5
“As a Court of Record, the Supreme Court has two powers: (a) The judgements, proceedings and acts of the Supreme Court are recorded for perpetual memory and testimony. These records are admitted to be of evidentiary value and cannot be questioned when produced before any court. They are recognized as legal precedents and legal references. (b) It has power to punish for contempt of itself. Contempt of Courts Act (1971): In 1961, the government appointed a special committee under the chairmanship of H.N. Sanyal, the then Additional Solicitor General of India, to examine the law relating to the contempt of courts.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly describes the Supreme Court as a 'Court of Record' and states it 'has power to punish for contempt of itself'.
  • Directly links the institutional status of the Supreme Court to its contempt jurisdiction.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 34: High Court > INDEPENDENCE OF HIGH COURT > p. 357
Presence: 5/5
“This ensures that they do not favor anyone in the hope of future favor. 7. Power to Punish for its Contempt A high court can punish any person for its contempt. Thus, its actions and decisions cannot be criticised or opposed by any body. This power is vested in a high court to maintain its authority, dignity and honour. 8. Freedom to Appoint its Staff The chief justice of a high court can appoint officers and servants of the high court without any interference from the executive. He/ she can also prescribe their conditions of service. 9. Its Jurisdiction cannot be Curtailed The jurisdiction and powers of a high court, in so far as they are specified in the Constitution, cannot be curtailed both by the Parliament and the state legislature.”
Why this source?
  • Affirms that a High Court 'can punish any person for its contempt'.
  • Frames contempt power as intrinsic to a High Court's authority, dignity and honour.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 34: High Court > I'll A Court of Record > p. 360
Presence: 4/5
“According to this Act, a High Court has power to punish for contempt of not only itselfbut also contempt of subordinate courts. However, no High Court shall take cognizance of a contempt alleged to have been committed in respect of a subordinate court, where such contempt is an offence punishable under the Indian Penal Code, 1860. As a court of record, a high court also has the power to review and correct its own judgment or order or decision, even though no specific power of review is conferred on it by the Constitution. The Supreme Court, on the other hand, has been specifically conferred with the power of review by the constitution.”
Why this source?
  • Explains that under the Contempt of Courts Act, a High Court has power to punish for contempt of itself and of subordinate courts.
  • Clarifies the statutory scope and limits of High Court contempt jurisdiction (e.g., exclusion where IPC offence applies).
Statement 3
Does the Constitution of India define the legal categories "civil contempt" and "criminal contempt" in relation to contempt of courts in India?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III A Court of Record > p. 293
Presence: 5/5
“This committee submitted its report in 1963. Based on the recommendations made by the committee, the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was enacted by the Parliament. Under the Act, the contempt of court may be civil or criminal. The civil contempt means wilful disobedience to any judgement, order, writ or other process of a court or wilful breach of an undertaking given to a court. However, in nocent publication and distribution of matter, fair and accurate report of judicial proceedings and fair criticism of judicial acts do not amount to contempt of court. Under the Act, a contempt of court is pun·ishable with simple imprisonment for a term upto six months or with fine upto ₹2 OOO or with both.”
Why this source?
  • Explicitly states that the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 was enacted and that under the Act contempt may be civil or criminal.
  • Provides the statutory definition of civil contempt (wilful disobedience to orders / breach of undertaking), showing the classification comes from the Act rather than the Constitution.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 22: THE SUPREME COURT > THE SUPREME COURT > p. 353
Presence: 4/5
“General or the Solicitor General. For exercising the suo motu power for contempt under Article 129 of the Constitution of India, the limitation provided in section 20 of the 1971 Act has no application. Under Article 142, the Supreme Court can grant appropriate relief for doing complete justice: (i) where there is some manifest illegality; or (ii) where there is a manifest want of jurisdiction; or (iii) where some palpable injustice is shown to have resulted. The scope of contempt jurisdiction extends to, punishing contemnors for violating the court's orders; punishing contemnors for disobeying the court's orders; punishing contemnors for breach of undertakings given to the courts.”
Why this source?
  • Identifies Article 129 (and Article 142) as the constitutional source of the Supreme Court's power to punish for contempt.
  • Shows the Constitution vests contempt jurisdiction in courts but addresses jurisdictional power, not statutory definitions of categories.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 34: High Court > I'll A Court of Record > p. 360
Presence: 4/5
“According to this Act, a High Court has power to punish for contempt of not only itselfbut also contempt of subordinate courts. However, no High Court shall take cognizance of a contempt alleged to have been committed in respect of a subordinate court, where such contempt is an offence punishable under the Indian Penal Code, 1860. As a court of record, a high court also has the power to review and correct its own judgment or order or decision, even though no specific power of review is conferred on it by the Constitution. The Supreme Court, on the other hand, has been specifically conferred with the power of review by the constitution.”
Why this source?
  • States that a High Court's power to punish for contempt is exercised 'according to this Act', linking the exercise of constitutional power to statutory regulation.
  • Notes procedural/statutory limits (e.g., cognizance rules relating to IPC offences), reinforcing that details are governed by statute.
Statement 4
Is the Parliament of India constitutionally vested with the power to make laws on contempt of courts in India?
Origin: Direct from books Fairness: Straightforward Book-answerable
From standard books
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III A Court of Record > p. 293
Presence: 5/5
“As a Court of Record, the Supreme Court has two powers: (a) The judgements, proceedings and acts of the Supreme Court are recorded for perpetual memory and testimony. These records are admitted to be of evidentiary value and cannot be questioned when produced before any court. They are recognized as legal precedents and legal references. (b) It has power to punish for contempt of itself. Contempt of Courts Act (1971) In 1961, the government appointed a special committee under the chairmanship of H.N. Sanyal, the then additional Solicitor General of India, to examine the law relating to the contempt of courts.”
Why this source?
  • Identifies the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 as the statutory law on contempt, indicating a formal parliamentary enactment on the subject.
  • Links the Act to the constitutional role of courts by noting the Act arose from a committee examination of contempt law, showing legislative action in this area.
Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 22: THE SUPREME COURT > THE SUPREME COURT > p. 353
Presence: 4/5
“General or the Solicitor General. For exercising the suo motu power for contempt under Article 129 of the Constitution of India, the limitation provided in section 20 of the 1971 Act has no application. Under Article 142, the Supreme Court can grant appropriate relief for doing complete justice: (i) where there is some manifest illegality; or (ii) where there is a manifest want of jurisdiction; or (iii) where some palpable injustice is shown to have resulted. The scope of contempt jurisdiction extends to, punishing contemnors for violating the court's orders; punishing contemnors for disobeying the court's orders; punishing contemnors for breach of undertakings given to the courts.”
Why this source?
  • Refers to Article 129 (Supreme Court contempt power) and notes that a limitation in section 20 of the 1971 Act does not apply to the Court's suo motu power, demonstrating interplay between statute and constitutional contempt powers.
  • Shows that Parliament enacted provisions (the 1971 Act) but that those statutory provisions operate alongside and cannot override certain constitutional powers of the courts.
Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 34: High Court > I'll A Court of Record > p. 360
Presence: 4/5
“According to this Act, a High Court has power to punish for contempt of not only itselfbut also contempt of subordinate courts. However, no High Court shall take cognizance of a contempt alleged to have been committed in respect of a subordinate court, where such contempt is an offence punishable under the Indian Penal Code, 1860. As a court of record, a high court also has the power to review and correct its own judgment or order or decision, even though no specific power of review is conferred on it by the Constitution. The Supreme Court, on the other hand, has been specifically conferred with the power of review by the constitution.”
Why this source?
  • States that 'according to this Act' a High Court has power to punish for contempt, showing the statute addresses contempt jurisdiction of High Courts as well.
  • Provides statutory context for judicial contempt powers, supporting that Parliament has legislated in this domain.
Pattern takeaway: The 'Constitutional Definition' Trap is a favorite UPSC template. The Constitution is a framework, not a dictionary. It rarely defines complex legal categories (like Civil vs Criminal Contempt), leaving that to Parliament. If a statement says 'The Constitution defines X', treat it with extreme suspicion.
How you should have studied
  1. Bullet 1. [THE VERDICT]: Sitter. Directly available in Laxmikanth, Chapter 26 (Supreme Court) under 'Court of Record' and Chapter 34 (High Court).
  2. Bullet 2. [THE CONCEPTUAL TRIGGER]: The distinction between 'Constitutional Source of Power' (Art 129/215) and 'Statutory Regulation of Procedure' (Contempt of Courts Act, 1971).
  3. Bullet 3. [THE HORIZONTAL EXPANSION]: Memorize terms NOT defined in the Constitution: 'Untouchability' (Art 17), 'Minority' (Art 29/30), 'Martial Law' (Art 34), 'Violation of the Constitution' (Art 61), 'Office of Profit' (Art 102). Contrast with 'Cabinet' (Defined in Art 352).
  4. Bullet 4. [THE STRATEGIC METACOGNITION]: Whenever you read a legal term in Polity, apply the 'Source Binary' check: Is the definition in the Constitution itself, or did Parliament define it later via an Act? This single logic filter solves 2-3 Prelims questions annually.
Concept hooks from this question
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Committee reports leading to legislation
💡 The insight

The H.N. Sanyal Committee's recommendations directly resulted in enactment of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

High-yield for UPSC because many statutory reforms originate from committee reports; mastering this concept helps answer questions on law-reform processes and the role of expert bodies. It links to public administration and legislative procedure topics and enables candidates to trace origins of major statutes.

📚 Reading List :
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III A Court of Record > p. 293
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III A Court of Record > p. 293
🔗 Anchor: "Was the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 enacted in India pursuant to the report of ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Civil vs Criminal Contempt under the 1971 Act
💡 The insight

The Act classifies contempt as civil or criminal and defines civil contempt (wilful disobedience of court orders or breach of undertakings).

Important for constitutional and legal-policy questions in UPSC: distinguishes types of contempt, relates to rights (free speech vs. administration of justice), and is frequently tested in judiciary/constitution segments. Helps frame answers on judicial limits and procedural safeguards.

📚 Reading List :
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III A Court of Record > p. 293
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III A Court of Record > p. 293
🔗 Anchor: "Was the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 enacted in India pursuant to the report of ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S1
👉 Judicial power to punish contempt (Supreme Court & High Courts)
💡 The insight

Supreme Court and High Courts possess contempt-punishing powers constitutionally, and the 1971 Act regulates that jurisdictional exercise.

Crucial for questions on separation of powers and judicial authority: explains constitutional bases (Articles referenced) and statutory regulation of contempt, connecting to topics on judicial review, court powers, and legislative competence. Useful for case-based and normative questions on judicial accountability.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 34: High Court > I'll A Court of Record > p. 360
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 22: THE SUPREME COURT > THE SUPREME COURT > p. 352
🔗 Anchor: "Was the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 enacted in India pursuant to the report of ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Contempt jurisdiction of higher courts
💡 The insight

Both the Supreme Court and High Courts possess the power to punish contempt to protect their authority and enforce orders.

High-yield for constitutional law questions: explains an essential aspect of judicial independence and institutional powers. Connects to topics on separation of powers, judicial review and enforcement of court orders. Enables answering questions on limits, scope and purpose of contempt jurisdiction.

📚 Reading List :
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III A Court of Record > p. 293
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 34: High Court > INDEPENDENCE OF HIGH COURT > p. 357
🔗 Anchor: "Does the Constitution of India empower the Supreme Court and the High Courts to ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Court of Record: legal consequences
💡 The insight

Being a 'Court of Record' confers on higher courts the power to record proceedings and to punish for contempt.

Important for understanding why certain courts have special powers (evidentiary value of records, contempt jurisdiction). Links to judicial procedure, precedent and evidentiary law; useful for questions contrasting courts with/without such status.

📚 Reading List :
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III A Court of Record > p. 293
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 34: High Court > I'll A Court of Record > p. 360
🔗 Anchor: "Does the Constitution of India empower the Supreme Court and the High Courts to ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S2
👉 Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 vs. constitutional contempt power
💡 The insight

The Act defines and regulates contempt procedure while the higher courts retain inherent constitutional contempt powers (including suo motu exercise).

Crucial for questions on interaction between statute and constitutional powers: shows how Parliament legislates procedure but cannot oust core judicial contempt authority. Helps answer items on limits of legislative competence, statutory exceptions and judicial remedies.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 34: High Court > I'll A Court of Record > p. 360
  • Introduction to the Constitution of India, D. D. Basu (26th ed.). > Chapter 22: THE SUPREME COURT > THE SUPREME COURT > p. 353
🔗 Anchor: "Does the Constitution of India empower the Supreme Court and the High Courts to ..."
📌 Adjacent topic to master
S3
👉 Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 — civil vs criminal contempt
💡 The insight

The Act classifies contempt into civil and criminal and provides the statutory definition and penalties for civil contempt.

High-yield for Constitutional/Law portions: knowing that classification and definitions come from the 1971 Act answers many direct questions about contempt law; connects to questions on judicial discipline, statutory interpretation, and penalties. It enables tackling fact-based MCQs and short-answer questions on sources of legal definitions.

📚 Reading List :
  • Indian Polity, M. Laxmikanth(7th ed.) > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III A Court of Record > p. 293
  • Laxmikanth, M. Indian Polity. 7th ed., McGraw Hill. > Chapter 26: Supreme Court > III A Court of Record > p. 293
🔗 Anchor: "Does the Constitution of India define the legal categories "civil contempt" and ..."
🌑 The Hidden Trap

The 'Limitation Period' Conflict: Section 20 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 sets a 1-year limit to initiate contempt. However, the Supreme Court has ruled that this statutory limit does NOT apply to its inherent 'Suo Motu' contempt power under Article 129, as a Statute cannot restrict a Constitutional power.

⚡ Elimination Cheat Code

The 'Definition Heuristic': Statement 3 claims the Constitution defines Civil/Criminal contempt. In Indian Polity, 90% of statements claiming 'The Constitution defines [Concept X]' are FALSE (e.g., Untouchability, Minority, Martial Law). Eliminate Statement 3 immediately → Only Option [B] remains.

🔗 Mains Connection

Mains GS-2 (Judicial Accountability) & GS-4 (Ethics): Link Contempt of Court to the 'Reasonable Restrictions' on Free Speech (Art 19(2)). Discuss the 2006 Amendment which finally introduced 'Truth' as a valid defense in contempt proceedings, balancing judicial dignity with transparency.

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SIMILAR QUESTIONS

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IAS · 2019 · Q45 Relevance score: 0.68

Consider the following statements : 1. The 44th Amendment to the Constitution of India introduced an Article placing the election of the Prime Minister beyond judicial review. 2. The Supreme Court of India struck down the 99th Amendment to the Constitution of India as being violative of the independence of judiciary. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

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Consider the following statements : 1. The motion to impeach a Judge of the Supreme Court of India cannot be rejected by the Speaker of the Lok Sabha as per the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. 2. The Constitution of India defines and gives details of what constitutes 'incapacity and proved misbehaviour' of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India. 3. The details of the process of impeachment of the Judges of the Supreme Court of India are given in the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. 4. If the motion for the impeachment of a Judge is taken up for voting, the law requires the motion to be backed by each House of the Parliament and supported by a majority of total membership of that House and by not less than two-thirds of total members of that House present and voting. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

IAS · 2019 · Q81 Relevance score: 0.25

With reference to the Constitution of India, consider the following statements : 1. No High Court shall have the jurisdiction to declare any central law to be constitutionally invalid. 2. An amendment to the Constitution of India cannot be called into question by the Supreme Court of India. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?