🧷 Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk

📍 The 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?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1, 2 and 4
(c) 3 and 4 only
(d) 3 only

✅ Correct Answer: (b)

🔎 Curiosity Raiser (UPSC focus)

UPSC is testing whether you can separate:

• constitutional empowerment,
• statutory definition, and
• legislative competence

The trap is assuming that if courts have power, Parliament has no role.

🧠 Core Concept Tested

Contempt of Court — Constitutional powers vs Statutory framework

🔍 Classroom Explanation (UPSC Prelims Focused)

Statement 1 ✅

• The H.N. Sanyal Committee (1961) examined the law of contempt in India.
• Its recommendations led to the enactment of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

👉 Statement 1 is correct.

Statement 2 ✅

• Article 129 → Supreme Court is a Court of Record with power to punish for its contempt.
• Article 215 → High Courts enjoy the same power.

👉 Statement 2 is correct.

Statement 3 ❌

• The Constitution does not define civil or criminal contempt.
• These definitions are provided under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

👉 Statement 3 is incorrect.

Statement 4 ✅

• Parliament is competent to legislate on contempt of court.
• This power has been exercised through the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

👉 Statement 4 is correct.

❌ Why the final answer is (b)

• Statements 1, 2, and 4 are correct.
• Statement 3 is incorrect.
• Hence, option (b).

📘 Enrich Notes (Prelims Value Add)

• Articles 129 & 215 → Contempt powers of SC and HCs
• Court of Record → Power to punish for contempt inherent
• Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 → Defines civil & criminal contempt
• Balance aimed → Judicial dignity vs Freedom of Speech (Article 19)

📌 Prelims Recall Line
Courts get power from the Constitution; definitions come from Parliament.

🧘‍♂️ IAS Monk Whisper

Authority of justice is constitutional;
its contours are statutory.