Question
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?
Explanation
Statement 1 is correct: The 1961 H.N. Sanyal Committee’s recommendations directly led to the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
Statement 2 is correct: Articles 129 and 215 empower the Supreme Court and High Courts respectively to punish for contempt of themselves.
Statement 3 is incorrect: It’s the Contempt of Courts Act (Section 2), not the Constitution, that defines civil and criminal contempt.
Statement 4 is correct: Under Entry 77 of the Union List and Article 142(2), Parliament can legislate on contempt of court.