Segment 10: MCQs (161–180)
161. What is the jurisdiction of the High Court under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971?
a) Only over subordinate courts
b) Both over itself and subordinate courts
c) Only over civil courts
d) Over all courts in the state
[read more] Answer: b) Both over itself and subordinate courts
Explanation: Under Section 10 of the Act, High Courts have the jurisdiction to punish for contempt of itself as well as of subordinate courts. [/read]
162. Which section of the Contempt of Courts Act deals with appeals?
a) Section 18
b) Section 19
c) Section 20
d) Section 22
[read more] Answer: b) Section 19
Explanation: Section 19 provides for appeals in contempt cases. A person aggrieved by the decision of the High Court in contempt proceedings can appeal to the Supreme Court. [/read]
163. Under which case did the Supreme Court emphasize that the power of contempt should be exercised sparingly?
a) S. Mulgaokar v. Unknown
b) Re: Vinay Chandra Mishra
c) Arundhati Roy Contempt Case
d) Delhi Judicial Service Association v. State of Gujarat
[read more] Answer: a) S. Mulgaokar v. Unknown
Explanation: The Supreme Court in this case emphasized judicial restraint and exercising contempt powers sparingly, only in cases of clear obstruction of justice. [/read]
164. Who is authorized to consent for initiating criminal contempt in the Supreme Court?
a) Solicitor General
b) Attorney General
c) Chief Justice of India
d) President of India
[read more] Answer: b) Attorney General
Explanation: Section 15 requires the consent of the Attorney General for initiating criminal contempt proceedings in the Supreme Court. [/read]
165. What does Section 5 of the Act protect?
a) Fair criticism of judicial acts
b) Statements made by journalists
c) Comments on pending cases made in good faith
d) Public protests
[read more] Answer: c) Comments on pending cases made in good faith
Explanation: Section 5 states that publication of any matter intended as fair reporting of judicial proceedings does not constitute contempt. [/read]
166. Which case dealt with the principle that truth can be used as a defense in contempt proceedings?
a) C.K. Daphtary v. O.P. Gupta
b) Subramanian Swamy v. Arun Shourie
c) Re: Arundhati Roy
d) Sahara India Real Estate v. SEBI
[read more] Answer: b) Subramanian Swamy v. Arun Shourie
Explanation: The Supreme Court clarified that truth, if made in public interest and with good faith, is a valid defense in contempt cases under Section 13. [/read]
167. What is required for contempt proceedings against a subordinate court?
a) Permission of the High Court
b) Approval of the District Judge
c) Complaint by an advocate
d) Consent of the Supreme Court
[read more] Answer: a) Permission of the High Court
Explanation: Section 10 of the Act gives High Courts the authority to punish for contempt of subordinate courts. The proceedings need approval from the High Court. [/read]
168. In which case did the Supreme Court assert the need for balancing free speech and contempt?
a) E.M.S. Namboodiripad v. T.N. Nambiar
b) Re: Arundhati Roy
c) Baradakanta Mishra v. Registrar of Orissa High Court
d) Vinay Chandra Mishra Case
[read more] Answer: a) E.M.S. Namboodiripad v. T.N. Nambiar
Explanation: The court held that while free speech is essential, it should not harm the dignity and authority of the judiciary. [/read]
169. What is the primary objective of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971?
a) Protect judicial dignity and integrity
b) Restrict freedom of speech
c) Grant absolute powers to judges
d) Control media reporting
[read more] Answer: a) Protect judicial dignity and integrity
Explanation: The Act aims to preserve the authority of courts and the administration of justice, while ensuring the judiciary is not undermined. [/read]
170. Under which section can subordinate courts refer contempt matters to the High Court?
a) Section 14
b) Section 15
c) Section 18
d) Section 10
[read more] Answer: d) Section 10
Explanation: Section 10 empowers subordinate courts to refer matters of contempt to the High Court for appropriate action. [/read]
171. What is the punishment for criminal contempt under the Act?
a) Fine of ₹5,000
b) Imprisonment up to 6 months or fine of ₹2,000
c) Only imprisonment
d) Warning or censure
[read more] Answer: b) Imprisonment up to 6 months or fine of ₹2,000
Explanation: Section 12 prescribes the punishment for criminal contempt, which may include imprisonment, a fine, or both. [/read]
172. Which case clarified that judicial proceedings must be respected to avoid contempt?
a) Re: Arundhati Roy
b) Sahara India Real Estate v. SEBI
c) Delhi Judicial Service Association v. State of Gujarat
d) E.M.S. Namboodiripad v. T.N. Nambiar
[read more] Answer: a) Re: Arundhati Roy
Explanation: The Supreme Court held that maintaining respect for judicial proceedings is critical to ensure the authority of courts is upheld. [/read]
173. What does Section 7 of the Act deal with?
a) Protection of fair reporting
b) Acts not amounting to contempt
c) Evidence in contempt proceedings
d) Contempt by public servants
[read more] Answer: c) Evidence in contempt proceedings
Explanation: Section 7 specifies the admissibility and use of evidence in contempt proceedings. [/read]
174. Which section discusses summary procedure for contempt committed in court?
a) Section 14
b) Section 12
c) Section 10
d) Section 19
[read more] Answer: a) Section 14
Explanation: Section 14 outlines the summary procedure for punishing contempt committed in the presence of the court. [/read]
175. Who can file a motion for contempt in the High Court under Section 15?
a) Advocate General
b) Any individual with prior consent
c) Subordinate court
d) All of the above
[read more] Answer: d) All of the above
Explanation: Section 15 allows the Advocate General, individuals with consent, and subordinate courts to file a motion for contempt in the High Court. [/read]
176. What does “civil contempt” primarily deal with?
a) Willful disobedience of court orders
b) Scandalizing the court
c) Obstructing justice
d) Misleading statements
[read more] Answer: a) Willful disobedience of court orders
Explanation: Section 2(b) defines civil contempt as willful disobedience of any judgment, decree, or direction of a court. [/read]
177. Which Article of the Constitution grants High Courts the power to punish for contempt?
a) Article 215
b) Article 129
c) Article 136
d) Article 141
[read more] Answer: a) Article 215
Explanation: Article 215 declares High Courts as “Courts of Record” with the power to punish for contempt. [/read]
178. Which section provides protection for reports of judicial proceedings?
a) Section 5
b) Section 3
c) Section 7
d) Section 4
[read more] Answer: d) Section 4
Explanation: Section 4 protects fair and accurate reports of judicial proceedings from being considered contempt. [/read]
179. What kind of contempt involves acts that lower the authority of the court?
a) Civil contempt
b) Criminal contempt
c) Administrative contempt
d) Indirect contempt
[read more] Answer: b) Criminal contempt
Explanation: Section 2(c) defines criminal contempt as acts that scandalize or lower the authority of the court or interfere with judicial proceedings. [/read]
180. What is the time limit to initiate contempt proceedings?
a) 6 months
b) 1 year
c) 18 months
d) 2 years
[read more] Answer: b) 1 year
Explanation: Section 20 of the Act limits the initiation of contempt proceedings to one year from the alleged contempt. [/read]