Segment 7: MCQs (101–120)
101. Which section of the Contempt of Court Act, 1971, limits the time within which contempt proceedings can be initiated?
a) Section 10
b) Section 15
c) Section 20
d) Section 22
[read more] Answer: c) Section 20
Explanation: Section 20 states that no contempt proceedings can be initiated after the expiry of six months from the alleged act of contempt. [/read]
102. What is the maximum term of imprisonment for contempt under the Act?
a) 3 months
b) 6 months
c) 1 year
d) 2 years
[read more] Answer: b) 6 months
Explanation: Section 12 prescribes a maximum imprisonment term of six months or a fine of ₹2,000, or both, for contempt of court. [/read]
103. Which principle was highlighted in the case of E.M. Sankaran Namboodiripad v. T. Narayanan Nambiar?
a) Truth as a defense
b) Freedom of speech versus contempt
c) Scandalizing the court
d) Limitation for contempt
[read more] Answer: b) Freedom of speech versus contempt
Explanation: The Supreme Court held that the right to freedom of speech must not undermine the authority and dignity of courts. [/read]
104. Under the Act, who can take suo motu cognizance of contempt?
a) Supreme Court and High Courts
b) District Courts
c) President of India
d) Attorney General
[read more] Answer: a) Supreme Court and High Courts
Explanation: Both the Supreme Court and High Courts can take suo motu cognizance of contempt under their inherent powers and Section 15. [/read]
105. Which of the following is not included in the definition of criminal contempt?
a) Scandalizing the judiciary
b) Interfering with court proceedings
c) Failure to pay a fine
d) Obstructing the administration of justice
[read more] Answer: c) Failure to pay a fine
Explanation: Failure to pay a fine is not criminal contempt as per Section 2(c), which defines acts like scandalizing the judiciary or interfering with justice as contempt. [/read]
106. What is the role of the Advocate General in contempt cases under the Act?
a) Represent the accused
b) Approve proceedings in subordinate courts
c) Grant consent for criminal contempt in High Courts
d) Conduct investigations
[read more] Answer: c) Grant consent for criminal contempt in High Courts
Explanation: Section 15 mandates the Advocate General’s consent for initiating criminal contempt proceedings in High Courts. [/read]
107. Which provision of the Act ensures that fair criticism of judicial acts is not contempt?
a) Section 4
b) Section 5
c) Section 6
d) Section 7
[read more] Answer: a) Section 4
Explanation: Section 4 protects fair and reasonable criticism of judicial acts, provided it does not scandalize the court or obstruct justice. [/read]
108. In which case did the court uphold that apology must be unconditional to purge contempt?
a) Ashok Kumar v. Radha Swami Satsang Sabha
b) Baradakanta Mishra v. Registrar of Orissa High Court
c) M.C. Mehta v. Union of India
d) S. Mulgaokar v. Unknown
[read more] Answer: b) Baradakanta Mishra v. Registrar of Orissa High Court
Explanation: The Supreme Court ruled that an apology must be sincere and unconditional to serve as a valid defense in contempt cases. [/read]
109. Which section of the Act ensures protection for subordinate courts from contempt?
a) Section 9
b) Section 10
c) Section 12
d) Section 14
[read more] Answer: b) Section 10
Explanation: Section 10 provides High Courts the power to punish for contempt of subordinate courts to uphold their dignity and authority. [/read]
110. Can truth be used as a defense for contempt?
a) No, it cannot
b) Yes, only if it is in public interest
c) Yes, always
d) Yes, only if permitted by the judge
[read more] Answer: b) Yes, only if it is in public interest
Explanation: Section 13 of the Act allows truth as a defense if it is in public interest and presented in good faith. [/read]
111. Which section of the Act specifies the procedure for contempt in the face of the court?
a) Section 13
b) Section 14
c) Section 15
d) Section 16
[read more] Answer: b) Section 14
Explanation: Section 14 outlines the summary procedure for dealing with contempt committed in the face of the court. [/read]
112. What is the key principle laid down in In Re: Arundhati Roy?
a) Freedom of press
b) Limitation for contempt proceedings
c) Judicial restraint
d) Scandalizing the court
[read more] Answer: d) Scandalizing the court
Explanation: The court ruled that even influential individuals could not be permitted to lower the dignity of the judiciary by scandalizing it. [/read]
113. Who has the power to make rules for contempt proceedings under the Act?
a) High Courts only
b) Supreme Court only
c) Both Supreme Court and High Courts
d) Parliament
[read more] Answer: c) Both Supreme Court and High Courts
Explanation: Under Section 23, both the Supreme Court and High Courts can make rules regarding contempt proceedings. [/read]
114. Which case emphasized the need to balance freedom of speech with contempt jurisdiction?
a) Subramanian Swamy v. Arun Shourie
b) E.M. Sankaran Namboodiripad v. T. Narayanan Nambiar
c) S. Mulgaokar v. Unknown
d) In Re: Arundhati Roy
[read more] Answer: c) S. Mulgaokar v. Unknown
Explanation: The court in this case highlighted the importance of a balanced approach to contempt powers to avoid suppressing freedom of speech unnecessarily. [/read]
115. Under which provision can contempt charges be appealed?
a) Section 12
b) Section 15
c) Section 19
d) Section 20
[read more] Answer: c) Section 19
Explanation: Section 19 provides the right to appeal against an order of contempt passed by a court. [/read]
116. Which case clarified that contempt power is an inherent power of the judiciary?
a) Re: Vinay Chandra Mishra
b) Baradakanta Mishra v. Registrar of Orissa High Court
c) S. Mulgaokar v. Unknown
d) C.K. Daphtary v. O.P. Gupta
[read more] Answer: a) Re: Vinay Chandra Mishra
Explanation: The court ruled that contempt power is inherent to the judiciary for maintaining its dignity and authority. [/read]
117. Which section ensures that good faith advice to a litigant is not contempt?
a) Section 3
b) Section 4
c) Section 5
d) Section 6
[read more] Answer: d) Section 6
Explanation: Section 6 provides immunity to lawyers for offering good faith advice to litigants, even if it relates to pending proceedings. [/read]
118. What is the limitation period for initiating contempt proceedings?
a) 3 months
b) 6 months
c) 12 months
d) No limitation
[read more] Answer: b) 6 months
Explanation: Section 20 of the Act prescribes a six-month limitation for initiating contempt proceedings. [/read]
119. Which case addressed the question of whether a judge could be criticized for administrative decisions?
a) S. Mulgaokar v. Unknown
b) E.M. Sankaran Namboodiripad v. T. Narayanan Nambiar
c) C.K. Daphtary v. O.P. Gupta
d) Re: Vinay Chandra Mishra
[read more] Answer: a) S. Mulgaokar v. Unknown
Explanation: The court clarified that judges could be criticized for administrative actions but not for judicial functions. [/read]
120. Which of the following acts is considered civil contempt?
a) Disobedience of an injunction
b) Scandalizing the judiciary
c) Obstructing court proceedings
d) Publishing prejudicial material
[read more] Answer: a) Disobedience of an injunction
Explanation: Civil contempt under Section 2(b) includes willful disobedience of a court’s order, decree, or injunction. [/read]