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: Understanding the Concept:
'Contempt of court' refers to the offense of being disobedient to or disrespectful towards a court of law and its officers in the form of behavior that opposes or defies the authority, justice, and dignity of the court.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The power of the courts to punish for contempt is a constitutional power. Article 129 grants the Supreme Court the power to punish for its contempt, and Article 215 grants similar power to the High Courts.
However, the procedure and the specific definitions of what constitutes civil and criminal contempt are laid down in a specific piece of legislation. This legislation is the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
This Act defines and limits the powers of certain courts in punishing contempts of courts and regulates their procedure in relation thereto.

Step 3: Analyzing the Options:


(A) Contempt of Court Act, 1971: This is the correct legislation that codifies the law on contempt.
(B) Contempt of Court Act, 1950: An earlier act existed but was replaced by the 1971 Act. The current law is the 1971 Act.
(C) & (D): These acts are not related to the power of the court to punish for contempt.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The power and procedure to punish for contempt of court are enacted under the Contempt of Court Act, 1971.