Question

Under the Special Marriage Act, 1954, what is the maximum fine that may be imposed for printing or publishing matter in contravention of provisions relating to in-camera proceedings?

• A. Fine up to five thousand rupees
• B. Fine up to one thousand rupees
• C. Fine up to two thousand rupees
• D. Fine up to five hundred rupees

Hint:

For Special Marriage Act questions, remember: In-camera Proceedings + Unauthorized Publication = Fine up to ₹1,000.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is B

Concept: The Special Marriage Act, 1954 contains provisions protecting the privacy of parties involved in matrimonial proceedings. Where proceedings are directed to be conducted in camera, publication of details without authorization is prohibited.

Step 1: Purpose of in-camera proceedings.
* Matrimonial disputes often involve sensitive personal matters. * To protect the dignity and privacy of the parties, courts may conduct proceedings in camera. * Unauthorized publication of such proceedings is punishable.

Step 2: Statutory penalty.
* Under the Special Marriage Act, any person who prints or publishes matter relating to in-camera proceedings in violation of the Act may be punished with a fine. * The maximum fine prescribed is

₹1,000.

Step 3: Application to the question.
* Since the Act specifically prescribes a fine up to ₹1,000, Option (B) is the correct answer.

The law protects confidentiality of matrimonial proceedings by penalizing unauthorized publication with a fine up to ₹1,000.

Answer 2

This question tests the exact monetary limit fixed by the Special Marriage Act, 1954 for unauthorised publication of matrimonial proceedings held in camera. Each option can be checked against the wording of Section 22, which governs both the in-camera hearing and the penalty for its breach.

1. Fine up to five thousand rupees: This figure does not appear anywhere in Section 22. Amounts of this size belong to more modern, revised penalty provisions in other statutes, not to the 1954 Act's original wording, so this option is incorrect.
2. Fine up to one thousand rupees: Section 22 of the Special Marriage Act, 1954 states that a person who prints or publishes any matter in contravention of the direction for in-camera proceedings shall be punishable with fine, which may extend to one thousand rupees. This is the exact figure fixed by the provision.
3. Fine up to two thousand rupees: No provision of the Special Marriage Act sets this figure for this particular contravention, so it can be ruled out.
4. Fine up to five hundred rupees: This is lower than the statutory ceiling and does not correspond to the wording of Section 22 either.

Only the one-thousand-rupee ceiling matches the actual text of Section 22 governing publication of in-camera matrimonial proceedings.

Hence, the correct answer is Fine up to one thousand rupees.