Segment 9: MCQs (141–160)
141. What is the maximum limitation period for initiating contempt proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971?
a) 6 months
b) 1 year
c) 18 months
d) 2 years
142. Which Article of the Indian Constitution grants the Supreme Court the power to punish for contempt?
a) Article 129
b) Article 141
c) Article 226
d) Article 136
143. What principle was laid down in E.M.S. Namboodiripad v. T.N. Nambiar?
a) Fair criticism is not contempt
b) Truth as a defense in contempt cases
c) Limitation period for contempt
d) Civil contempt
144. Under Section 13, what must the court consider before imposing punishment for contempt?
a) The public interest
b) The truth of the allegations
c) The ability to maintain the dignity of the judiciary
d) All of the above
145. Which section defines civil and criminal contempt?
a) Section 2
b) Section 3
c) Section 4
d) Section 5
146. In which case did the Supreme Court hold that truth is a valid defense in contempt proceedings?
a) Subramanian Swamy v. Arun Shourie
b) C.K. Daphtary v. O.P. Gupta
c) Re: Arundhati Roy
d) Shri Baradakanta Mishra v. Registrar of Orissa High Court
147. What type of contempt does scandalizing the court constitute?
a) Civil contempt
b) Criminal contempt
c) Both civil and criminal contempt
d) Administrative contempt
148. Which court has the power to transfer contempt cases between states?
a) High Court
b) Supreme Court
c) District Court
d) State Tribunal
149. What does Section 4 of the Act deal with?
a) Procedure for contempt cases
b) Fair criticism of judicial acts
c) Powers of subordinate courts
d) Limitation for contempt
150. Who can initiate contempt proceedings under Section 15(1) for criminal contempt in High Courts?
a) Chief Justice of the High Court
b) Advocate General of the State
c) District Judge
d) Solicitor General
151. Which case is often cited for judicial restraint in contempt cases?
a) S. Mulgaokar v. Unknown
b) Delhi Judicial Service Association v. State of Gujarat
c) Re: Vinay Chandra Mishra
d) E.M.S. Namboodiripad v. T.N. Nambiar
152. Which section deals with the power of courts to punish for contempt in their presence?
a) Section 12
b) Section 14
c) Section 20
d) Section 23
153. What is the punishment for contempt in case of subordinate courts?
a) Imprisonment up to 6 months or fine of ₹2,000
b) Imprisonment up to 1 year or fine of ₹5,000
c) Only imprisonment
d) Only fine
154. Which case established the principle of inherent powers for contempt proceedings?
a) Baradakanta Mishra v. Registrar of Orissa High Court
b) Delhi Judicial Service Association v. State of Gujarat
c) E.M.S. Namboodiripad v. T.N. Nambiar
d) S. Mulgaokar v. Unknown
155. What is the role of the Attorney General in contempt proceedings?
a) To provide consent for initiating proceedings
b) To hear the case
c) To represent the accused
d) To issue guidelines for contempt
156. What does Section 6 of the Act protect?
a) Rights of journalists
b) Statements made by witnesses during judicial proceedings
c) Actions of public servants
d) Fair criticism of judicial acts
157. Which case discussed the balance between free speech and contempt?
a) In Re: Arundhati Roy
b) Sahara India Real Estate v. SEBI
c) E.M.S. Namboodiripad v. T.N. Nambiar
d) Baradakanta Mishra v. Registrar of Orissa High Court
158. Which section allows truth as a valid defense in contempt cases?
a) Section 10
b) Section 12
c) Section 13
d) Section 15
159. Who frames rules for regulating contempt proceedings?
a) Bar Council of India
b) Parliament
c) High Courts and Supreme Court
d) Law Commission
160. What does the Contempt of Courts Act aim to balance?
a) Judicial dignity and free speech
b) Fundamental rights and government authority
c) Civil rights and public order
d) Judiciary and legislative functions