CONTEMPT OF COURT IN INDIA: UNDERSTANDING LEGAL BOUNDARIES

Introduction

• Contempt of court is a concept that safeguards the authority, dignity, and functioning of the judiciary.

• Recent controversies involving alleged derogatory remarks against the Chief Justice of India highlight the relevance of this law in maintaining constitutional morality.

• Contempt proceedings ensure that the administration of justice is not obstructed or undermined.

Constitutional Provisions

• Article 19(2): Allows reasonable restrictions on fundamental freedoms, including contempt of court.

• Article 129: Designates the Supreme Court as a court of record.

• Article 215: Designates High Courts as courts of record.

• Court of Record:

  • Maintains a permanent record of proceedings.

  • Possesses inherent power to punish for contempt.

Contempt of Court Act, 1971

• Objective: To codify the law relating to contempt of courts in India.

• Types of Contempt:

  1. Civil Contempt

     • Defined under Section 2(b) of the Act.

     • Wilful disobedience to any judgment, decree, direction, or order of a court.

     • Wilful breach of an undertaking given to a court.

  2. Criminal Contempt

     • Defined under Section 2(c) of the Act.

     • Acts that:

       • Scandalise or lower the authority of a court.

       • Prejudice or interfere with judicial proceedings.

       • Interfere with the administration of justice in any manner.

• Initiation of Proceedings:

  • Suo motu by Supreme Court or High Courts.

  • By third parties with consent of Attorney General (Supreme Court) or Advocate General (High Courts).

Principles of Criticism

• Fair Criticism vs. Contempt

  • Fair criticism of judicial decisions is permitted.

  • Criticism exceeding limits of fair commentary can amount to contempt.

• Judicial Precedents:

  • Ashwini Kumar Ghosh v. Arabinda Bose (1952): Criticism beyond fair commentary can be contemptuous.

  • Anil Ratan Sarkar v. Hirak Ghosh (2002): Contempt power should be exercised cautiously and only for clear violations.

  • M.V. Jayarajan v. High Court of Kerala (2015): Abusive language while criticizing court orders constitutes criminal contempt.

  • Shanmugam @ Lakshminarayanan v. High Court of Madras (2025): Contempt punishment ensures administration of justice.

Importance of Contempt Law

• Safeguarding Judiciary: Preserves authority, dignity, and independence of courts.

• Ensuring Justice: Prevents disruption of judicial processes and administration of justice.

• Balancing Democracy:

  • Criticism is allowed, but misrepresentation can undermine justice and democratic principles.

  • Both citizens and the state must respect judicial authority while expressing opinions.

Conclusion

• Contempt of court is not merely about punishing disrespect but protecting the rule of law and the integrity of judicial institutions.

• Civil and criminal contempt serve distinct purposes but collectively ensure that justice is delivered without obstruction.

• Awareness and careful exercise of free speech are necessary to maintain the delicate balance between democratic rights and judicial authority.

MAINS QUESTIONS

• Explain the constitutional provisions that empower courts to punish for contempt in India.

• Distinguish between civil and criminal contempt of court with relevant examples.