Segment 4: MCQs (41–60)
- Which of the following is the primary objective of the Contempt of Court Act, 1971?
a) To penalize any criticism of judges
b) To ensure the dignity and authority of courts
c) To prevent judges from expressing their opinions
d) To control the media
- Under the Contempt of Court Act, which of the following actions would constitute “scandalizing the court”?
a) Writing a letter of complaint to the judge
b) Criticizing a judgment in a lawful manner
c) Publishing defamatory material about the court or its proceedings
d) Submitting false evidence to the court
- In which case did the Supreme Court rule that criticism of a judgment is not contempt if it is a constructive criticism?
a) K.K. Verma v. State of Bihar
b) Subramanian Swamy v. Arun Shourie
c) E.M. Sankaran Namboodiripad v. T. Narayanan Nambiar
d) Re Harijai Singh
- Which section of the Contempt of Court Act deals with defenses in contempt proceedings?
a) Section 2
b) Section 12
c) Section 13
d) Section 15
- Which of the following is a key exception under the Contempt of Court Act for fair reporting of judicial proceedings?
a) Reporting false court proceedings
b) Publishing an opinion critical of the judge
c) Publishing an accurate and fair account of the proceedings
d) Falsifying court records
- Which of the following actions can lead to a charge of civil contempt?
a) Publishing a news article criticizing a judge
b) Interfering with the administration of justice
c) Disobeying a court order
d) Making a speech to criticize the judiciary
- In which case did the Supreme Court clarify the scope of “scandalizing the court”?
a) K.K. Verma v. State of Bihar
b) In Re: Arundhati Roy
c) Contempt of Court v. M.K. Aiyer
d) Re Harijai Singh
- What is the maximum fine imposed for contempt under the Contempt of Court Act, 1971?
a) ₹1,000
b) ₹2,000
c) ₹5,000
d) ₹10,000
- In the case of E.M. Sankaran Namboodiripad v. T. Narayanan Nambiar, the court stated that contempt may be committed by:
a) A judge who disrespects court orders
b) A person who disrupts court proceedings
c) An individual who publishes an accurate report of the case
d) A person who misrepresents a court decision
- Which of the following statements is true about “criminal contempt”?
a) It occurs only when a person physically assaults a judge
b) It involves scandalizing the court or obstructing the administration of justice
c) It applies only to disrespectful acts toward the judiciary
d) It is only concerned with breaches of court orders
- Which section of the Contempt of Court Act, 1971 deals with the power to initiate contempt proceedings?
a) Section 2
b) Section 15
c) Section 10
d) Section 17
- Under the Contempt of Court Act, which of the following acts is an example of a “contemptuous conduct”?
a) Making a statement about the case before the judgment is pronounced
b) Criticizing the judgment after its delivery
c) A statement made in good faith that is inaccurate
d) Submitting evidence that is later proven false
- In contempt proceedings, who has the authority to appear as an advocate in the Supreme Court?
a) Any practicing lawyer
b) The Attorney General or Solicitor General
c) A special counsel appointed by the government
d) The defendant’s legal team
- In which case did the Supreme Court state that truth is a valid defense in contempt cases, if it is in public interest?
a) E.M. Sankaran Namboodiripad v. T. Narayanan Nambiar
b) Subramanian Swamy v. Arun Shourie
c) Re: Arundhati Roy
d) S.P. Gupta v. Union of India
- Which action is permissible under Section 13 of the Contempt of Court Act, 1971 as a defense?
a) Making an apology in good faith
b) Criticizing the court judgment
c) Publishing an opinion against a judge
d) Delay in the legal process
- In which case did the Court state that criticism of a judge’s personal conduct does not amount to contempt unless it lowers the authority of the court?
a) Re: Harijai Singh
b) In Re: Arundhati Roy
c) Subramanian Swamy v. Arun Shourie
d) K.K. Verma v. State of Bihar
- Under which condition does Section 4 of the Contempt of Court Act allow fair reporting of court proceedings?
a) If the report contains personal opinions
b) If the report is factual and not misleading
c) If the report criticizes the judgment
d) If the report is based on rumors
- Which of the following is a feature of the Contempt of Court Act, 1971?
a) It applies only to civil cases
b) It provides for punitive action against those who lower the authority of the court
c) It limits free speech to avoid contempt charges
d) It prohibits all media reporting of court cases