Solution:A contempt of the Parliament House can be defined as any act that:
• Causes an obstruction in the conduct of proceedings of the House.
• Causes an obstruction in the performance of functions by any officer or member of the House.
• Any other act that directly or indirectly has such an effect.
Proceedings against contempt are very important because the nation cannot function properly if the Parliament or its members/officers are unable to perform their duties in an efficient manner.
Inquiry into proceedings of the Parliament
Under Article 122 of the Constitution, a restriction is placed on the powers of the judiciary to inquire into the proceedings of the Parliament. The restrictions are as follows:
• Inquiry into the validity of the proceedings of the Parliament on the ground of irregularity in the conduct of the proceedings, i.e., the procedure of the Parliamentary proceedings.
• Inquiry into the person or officer authorised to regulate the conduct of business and procedure of the Parliamentary proceedings can.
Publication of the Parliamentary Proceedings
Article 361A of the Constitution states that any person can publish the proceedings of the Parliament subject to such publication being a true report of the proceedings made without any malice.
However, publication of any secret proceedings of the Parliament or any State Legislature is prohibited.