Contempt Of Court

Contempt Of Court : Recently, the Supreme Court clarified that laws passed by Parliament or State legislatures, even if enacted after court orders, do not amount to contempt of court.

• Contempt of Court in India: An offence involving disrespect or challenge to the authority, integrity, or dignity of a court.

o It includes acts like disobeying court orders, tampering with witnesses, withdrawing evidence, or defying court directives.

o Governed by the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, enacted based on recommendations from the H.N. Sanyal Committee.

• Types of Contempt: Civil Contempt: Willful disobedience of court orders, judgments, decrees, or breach of court undertakings.

ü Defined under Section 2(b) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

o Criminal Contempt: Actions or publications that: (i)Scandalize or lower the authority of any court (ii)Prejudice or interfere with judicial proceedings (iii) Obstruct or tend to obstruct the administration of justice.

ü Defined under Section 2(c) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.