1. Define contempt of court and explain its significance in a democratic society. Examine the constraints on the exercise of contempt powers by courts in India.
| Syllabus: General Studies – II : Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary |
IN NEWS: What constitutes as contempt of court in India?
Contempt of court is the willful disobedience of court orders or actions that scandalize or obstruct the judiciary, thereby undermining its authority. In India, it is codified under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, and the Constitution empowers the Supreme Court (Article 129) and High Courts (Article 215) to punish contempt. Its primary purpose is to protect the dignity, authority, and independence of the judiciary, which is essential for the rule of law in a democracy.
Significance of contempt of Court:
- Ensures compliance with court orders: Without contempt powers, judicial orders could be ignored, weakening the justice system.
- Maintains judicial authority: Courts must be respected as impartial arbiters to uphold public confidence in the rule of law.
- Prevents obstruction of justice: Contempt powers deter actions that interfere with fair administration of justice, such as scandalizing judges or influencing proceedings.
- Safeguards democratic governance: An independent judiciary is a pillar of democracy; contempt laws protect it from undue interference.
Limitations on contempt powers in India:
- Freedom of Speech: Powers cannot be used to suppress legitimate criticism; courts must respect Article 19(1)(a).
- Fair criticism exemption: Arundhati Roy v. Union of India (2002) clarified that reasonable criticism of the judiciary is not contempt.
- Judicial restraint: Contempt proceedings should not be used as a tool for punishing political opponents or dissenters.
- No retrospective effect: Contempt cannot be claimed for statements made in good faith before the law was applied.
- Procedural safeguards: Individuals must have the opportunity to be heard before punishment is imposed.
Contempt of court is a necessary safeguard for judicial authority and public confidence in a democracy. However, it is not absolute and must be exercised with restraint, fairness, and respect for freedom of speech. Balancing judicial dignity with citizens’ right to critique is essential for a mature, democratic society.
| PYQ REFERENCE (2023) Q. “Constitutionally guaranteed judicial independence is a prerequisite of democracy.’’ Comment. |
2. Critically examine the environmental impacts of building and operating AI‑ready data centres in water‑scarce regions of India.
| Syllabus: General Studies – III : Environmental Pollution and Degradation Science and Technology- Developments and their Applications and Effects in Everyday Life |
IN NEWS: India’s digital thirst: Data centres are rising in water-scarce regions — and locals are paying the price
The rapid expansion of AI‑ready data centres in India supports cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and the digital economy. However, many centres are located in water-stressed regions, creating environmental concerns. These facilities require large amounts of water for cooling and consume substantial energy, potentially affecting local ecosystems and communities.
Environmental Impacts:
- High water consumption: Cooling servers and maintaining data centre operations demand millions of litres of water annually, creating competition with domestic and agricultural needs.
- Groundwater depletion and surface water stress: Excessive water withdrawal can lower aquifer levels and reduce river flows, affecting biodiversity and local livelihoods.
- Energy-water nexus: High electricity usage, often from coal-based grids, indirectly increases water footprint and carbon emissions.
- Ecosystem disruption: Thermal discharge, reduced water availability, and industrial activity can harm wetlands, lakes, and aquatic species.
Critical Concerns:
- Sustainability vs growth: While digital infrastructure drives economic growth, unchecked expansion in water-scarce regions threatens ecological and social sustainability.
- Equity issues: Local populations may face reduced access to water resources.
- Regulatory gaps: Inconsistent policies and lack of mandatory reporting on water use exacerbate the risks.
Way Forward:
- Encourage water-efficient cooling technologies and reuse of treated water.
- Locate new centres in water-abundant regions.
- Strengthen regulation, monitoring, and transparency of water consumption.
- Integrate data centre planning with local water management strategies.
AI‑ready data centres are vital for India’s digital growth, but their environmental footprint, particularly on water resources, must be carefully managed. Sustainable planning, technological innovation, and robust governance are essential to balance digital ambitions with ecological security.
| PYQ REFERENCE (2025) Q. Examine the factors responsible for depleting groundwater in India. What are the steps taken by the government to mitigate such depletion of groundwater? |