Segment 6: MCQs (81–100)
81. Under the Contempt of Court Act, which authority can initiate contempt proceedings in the Supreme Court without prior approval?
a) Chief Justice of India
b) Any Judge of the Supreme Court
c) Attorney General or Solicitor General
d) President of India
[read more] Answer: c) Attorney General or Solicitor General
Explanation: Section 15 of the Act stipulates that the Attorney General or Solicitor General can directly initiate criminal contempt proceedings in the Supreme Court. [/read]
82. Which section of the Act discusses the punishment for contempt?
a) Section 11
b) Section 12
c) Section 14
d) Section 16
[read more] Answer: b) Section 12
Explanation: Section 12 specifies the penalties for contempt, which include imprisonment for up to six months or a fine of ₹2,000, or both. [/read]
83. What is the primary objective of the Contempt of Court Act, 1971?
a) To uphold the independence of the judiciary
b) To regulate judicial appointments
c) To punish corruption in the judiciary
d) To ensure the implementation of laws
[read more] Answer: a) To uphold the independence of the judiciary
Explanation: The Act is designed to protect the authority and dignity of the judiciary and prevent interference with the administration of justice. [/read]
84. Which case laid down the principle that truth is a defense in contempt cases?
a) Subramanian Swamy v. Arun Shourie
b) E.M. Sankaran Namboodiripad v. T. Narayanan Nambiar
c) In Re: Arundhati Roy
d) Re: Vinay Chandra Mishra
[read more] Answer: a) Subramanian Swamy v. Arun Shourie
Explanation: The Supreme Court held that truth is a valid defense in contempt proceedings if it is in public interest and stated in good faith. [Section 13.] [/read]
85. Who has the power to punish for contempt of subordinate courts?
a) District Courts
b) High Courts
c) Supreme Court
d) Both High Courts and Supreme Court
[read more] Answer: b) High Courts
Explanation: Section 10 of the Act empowers High Courts to exercise contempt jurisdiction over subordinate courts. [/read]
86. What does “civil contempt” primarily involve?
a) Scandalizing the judiciary
b) Obstructing justice
c) Wilful disobedience of court orders
d) Criticizing judicial decisions
[read more] Answer: c) Wilful disobedience of court orders
Explanation: Civil contempt is defined under Section 2(b) as willful disobedience to court orders or undertakings. [/read]
87. Which section protects publications made in good faith concerning pending judicial proceedings?
a) Section 3
b) Section 4
c) Section 5
d) Section 6
[read more] Answer: c) Section 5
Explanation: Section 5 provides immunity for publications made in good faith that do not prejudice or interfere with pending judicial proceedings. [/read]
88. Which of the following is an example of “criminal contempt”?
a) Failure to pay court-ordered maintenance
b) Criticism of a judgment in private conversations
c) Disobedience of a restraining order
d) Scandalizing the judiciary through false allegations
[read more] Answer: d) Scandalizing the judiciary through false allegations
Explanation: Criminal contempt includes acts that lower the authority of the judiciary, such as scandalizing the court. [Section 2(c).] [/read]
89. In which case did the Supreme Court clarify that contempt proceedings cannot be initiated after six months?
a) Pritam Pal v. High Court of Madhya Pradesh
b) Baradakanta Mishra v. Registrar of Orissa High Court
c) J.R. Parashar v. Prashant Bhushan
d) T.N. Godavarman Thirumulpad v. Ashok Khot
[read more] Answer: b) Baradakanta Mishra v. Registrar of Orissa High Court
Explanation: Section 20 imposes a six-month limitation, and this principle was reiterated in Baradakanta Mishra’s case. [/read]
90. What is the defense for contempt under Section 13?
a) Good faith
b) Bona fide mistake
c) Unintentional disobedience
d) Lack of jurisdiction
[read more] Answer: a) Good faith
Explanation: Section 13 allows truth as a defense if it is presented in good faith and in the public interest. [/read]
91. Which case is associated with the principle that contempt power must not curtail freedom of speech excessively?
a) S. Mulgaokar v. Unknown
b) In Re: Arundhati Roy
c) E.M. Sankaran Namboodiripad v. T. Narayanan Nambiar
d) C.K. Daphtary v. O.P. Gupta
[read more] Answer: a) S. Mulgaokar v. Unknown
Explanation: The Court emphasized a balanced approach to contempt to protect freedom of speech while upholding judicial authority. [/read]
92. Which court can transfer a contempt case from one High Court to another?
a) District Court
b) Supreme Court
c) The concerned High Court
d) Attorney General
[read more] Answer: b) Supreme Court
Explanation: Under its plenary powers, the Supreme Court can transfer cases, including contempt matters, to ensure justice. [/read]
93. Which section of the Act deals with the procedure in cases of criminal contempt?
a) Section 12
b) Section 14
c) Section 18
d) Section 20
[read more] Answer: b) Section 14
Explanation: Section 14 outlines the procedure for initiating criminal contempt proceedings. [/read]
94. What does “scandalizing the court” imply under the Act?
a) Questioning the authority of judges
b) Making allegations that erode public confidence in the judiciary
c) Publishing judgments without permission
d) Criticizing lawyers publicly
[read more] Answer: b) Making allegations that erode public confidence in the judiciary
Explanation: Scandalizing the court under Section 2(c) involves actions that lower public respect for the judiciary. [/read]
95. Can contempt charges be appealed? If so, under which section?
a) Yes, under Section 12
b) Yes, under Section 19
c) No appeal is allowed
d) Yes, under Section 22
[read more] Answer: b) Yes, under Section 19
Explanation: Section 19 provides the right to appeal against an order for contempt, subject to certain conditions. [/read]
96. Which case emphasized the principle of restraint in contempt powers?
a) E.M. Sankaran Namboodiripad v. T. Narayanan Nambiar
b) S. Mulgaokar v. Unknown
c) C.K. Daphtary v. O.P. Gupta
d) In Re: Vinay Chandra Mishra
[read more] Answer: b) S. Mulgaokar v. Unknown
Explanation: The Court urged a cautious approach to invoking contempt powers to avoid misuse. [/read]
97. Who must grant consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings in the High Court?
a) Advocate General
b) Chief Justice of the High Court
c) Registrar of the High Court
d) Attorney General
[read more] Answer: a) Advocate General
Explanation: Section 15 mandates the consent of the Advocate General for criminal contempt proceedings in High Courts. [/read]
98. Which of the following is not a defense in criminal contempt cases?
a) Truth
b) Bona fide apology
c) Lack of intent
d) Ignorance of the law
[read more] Answer: d) Ignorance of the law
Explanation: Ignorance of the law is not a defense under any legal framework, including contempt cases. [/read]
99. Which of the following is required for fair criticism of judicial acts to avoid contempt?
a) Must be made privately
b) Should not affect pending proceedings
c) Must have the judge’s approval
d) Should focus only on lower courts
[read more] Answer: b) Should not affect pending proceedings
Explanation: Fair criticism is permissible as long as it does not prejudice or interfere with ongoing judicial matters. [/read]
100. Which case ruled that truth as a defense must be accompanied by public interest?
a) Subramanian Swamy v. Arun Shourie
b) Arundhati Roy v. Union of India
c) S. Mulgaokar v. Unknown
d) Baradakanta Mishra v. Registrar of Orissa High Court
[read more] Answer: a) Subramanian Swamy v. Arun Shourie
Explanation: Truth as a defense was upheld in this case, provided it aligns with public interest and is presented in good faith. [Section 13.] [/read]