Contempt of Court
/kənˈtɛmpt əv kɔːrt/
Legal Term
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Definition
The offence of showing disrespect for or disobeying a court's authority or dignity. The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 in India recognises two types: civil contempt (wilful disobedience of a court order or undertaking) and criminal contempt (publication of matter that scandalises or lowers the authority of the court, prejudices fair trial, or interferes with the administration of justice). Courts have inherent power to punish contempt.
Examples
Case Study
In Re: Arundhati Roy (2002), the Supreme Court held author Arundhati Roy guilty of criminal contempt for alleging that the Court had 'disregarded' public protests against its dam order and for casting aspersions on the Court's integrity. She was sentenced to one day's simple imprisonment and a fine. The case raised significant questions about the balance between free speech and judicial authority.
Key Cases
In Re: Arundhati Roy
2002(2002) 3 SCC 343
The Supreme Court convicted Arundhati Roy for criminal contempt. Highlighted the tension between free speech (Article 19(1)(a)) and judicial authority. One day's imprisonment imposed. Sparked debate on contempt law's compatibility with democratic free speech.
View on Indian Kanoon →Prashant Bhushan Contempt Case
2020In Re: Prashant Bhushan — (2021) 1 SCC 745
Advocate Prashant Bhushan convicted of criminal contempt for two tweets criticising the Supreme Court. Sentenced to a fine of Re. 1. International criticism of the case reignited debate about the scope of contempt law.
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