Contempt of Court Notes

Contempt of Court is a vital legal mechanism designed to uphold the authority and dignity of the judiciary. It ensures that the court’s orders are respected and the judicial process is not obstructed or undermined. The concept serves as a protective shield for the judiciary against any form of disrespect or disobedience that may hinder the course of justice.

What is Contempt of Court?

Contempt of Court refers to any act or omission that defies or disrespects the authority, justice, or dignity of a court. It includes actions that obstruct the administration of justice or diminish the respect for court proceedings. The main objective of the law of contempt is to safeguard the integrity of the judicial system by penalising conduct that interferes with the judicial process.

Contempt can be committed by individuals, media, public authorities, or any entity that intentionally or unintentionally acts against the lawful functioning of the court. The law governing contempt is primarily enshrined in the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 in India.

There are broadly two types of contempt:

• Civil Contempt – Willful disobedience to any judgment, decree, direction, or other order of the court.
• Criminal Contempt – Any act that scandalises or lowers the authority of the court, prejudices judicial proceedings, or obstructs the administration of justice.

To dive deeper into the various aspects of contempt of court, you can explore the detailed guides linked below.

Key Topics on Contempt of Court