The correct answer is Article 129 of the Indian Constitution.
Text of Article 129:
"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."
Meaning and Significance:
Being a Court of Record means that:
- The Supreme Court's proceedings, judgments, and orders are recorded for perpetual memory and testimony.
- These records have evidentiary value and can be relied upon in future legal references.
- The Court has the inherent power to punish for its own contempt, ensuring respect for its authority and decisions.
This status grants the Supreme Court a unique constitutional authority to uphold the dignity of the judiciary and maintain the rule of law.
Conclusion:
Article 129 of the Indian Constitution declares that the Supreme Court of India is a court of record and empowers it to punish for contempt of court.