Question

The power of court to punish for contempt (contempt of court) is enacted under

• A. Contempt of Court Act, 1971
• B. Contempt of Court Act, 1950
• C. Right to Justice Act, 1952
• D. Right to Life and Liberty Act 1972

Hint:

When studying Indian Polity, remember that while many powers of institutions like the Supreme Court and High Courts are granted by the Constitution itself, the detailed procedures and definitions are often provided by subsequent laws passed by the Parliament.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Step 1: Defining Contempt:
'Contempt of court' is defined as disobedience or disrespect towards a court of law and its officers, manifested through behavior that challenges the court's authority, justice, and dignity.

Step 2: Legal Basis:
Courts' power to punish contempt is constitutionally granted. Article 129 provides the Supreme Court with the power to punish contempt, and Article 215 grants similar power to High Courts.
Specific procedures and definitions of civil and criminal contempt are established in the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
This Act defines and limits the powers of certain courts to punish contempt of courts and regulates relevant procedures.

Step 3: Option Analysis:


(A) Contempt of Court Act, 1971: This is the correct law governing contempt.
(B) Contempt of Court Act, 1950: An older act replaced by the 1971 Act. The current law is the 1971 Act.
(C) & (D): These acts are unrelated to the court's power to punish for contempt.

Step 4: Conclusion:
The power and procedure for punishing contempt of court are outlined in the Contempt of Court Act, 1971.