Contempt of court

Contempt of court:  Over 1.45 lakh contempt cases are pending in Supreme Court and High Courts, as per Law Minister of India.

• About: Contempt of court is indeed an offense that involves showing disrespect or disregard for the dignity and authority of a court. It encompasses various actions or behaviours that undermine the integrity of the judicial system or impede the administration of justice.
• Statutory Basis: Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. It divides contempt into civil and criminal. 

o Civil contempt: It refers to the wilful disobedience of an order of any court.  

o Criminal contempt: It includes any act or publication which:

• Scandalises the court: ‘Scandalising the Court’ broadly refers to statements or publications which have the effect of undermining public confidence in the judiciary. 

  o Prejudices any judicial proceeding, and interferes with the administration of justice in any other manner.

  • The constitutional basis:

  o Article 19(2): Contempt of court was included as one of the reasonable restrictions on the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(2) of the Constitution.

  o Article 129: It states, "The Supreme Court shall be a court of record and shall have all the powers of such a court including the power to punish for contempt of itself."

  o Article 215: Similar to Article 129, Article 215 empowers the High Courts to punish for contempt of themselves within their respective jurisdictions.