The question (15 marks)
Explain the constitutional basis of the power to punish for contempt and distinguish civil from criminal contempt under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. What is not contempt under the Act, what punishment may be imposed and within what time must proceedings be initiated? How does a conviction for contempt affect an advocate? (15 marks)
Standing written-assignment question; plan from module 4, Part One, and the Supreme Court Bar Association, Arundhati Roy and Mahipal Singh Rana chapters, with every section checked against the Contempt of Courts Act 1971 text.
Plan your answer on paper before you look at the authorities — issue first, then the rule, then apply it to these facts.
It tests Unit 4 · Contempt, Bar–Bench relations and accountancy for lawyers of Practical Training – I: Professional Ethics and Professional Accounting System.
Authorities you will need
- Supreme Court Bar Association v Union of India
- In re Arundhati Roy
- Mrityunjoy Das v Sayed Hasibur Rahaman
- Pravin C. Shah v K.A. Mohd. Ali
- Mahipal Singh Rana v State of U.P.
- Mulk Raj v State of Punjab
How an answer is marked
A full-marks answer names the issue in one line, states the rule with its section, cites the authority, applies it to these facts and concludes — in that order. The app's model answer for this question is written in exactly that shape, with a checklist to mark your own attempt against.