Judgment

R. S. SARKARIA, J.:- This appeal is directed against an order, dated April 10, 1974, of the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad in Criminal Misc. Contempt Case No. 115 of 1973.* It raises a question of law as to the jurisdiction and powers of a High Court to take action suo motu under Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. The material facts giving rise to this appeal are as follows :

* Reported in 1974 Cri LJ 962 (All),

Raj NaRam alias Raja Sharma, Ram NaRam, Tapesh NaRam alias Trilok NaRam and Hari NaRam, respondents instituted Suit No. 89/168 under Section 209 of the U. P. Zamindari & Land Reforms Act (hereinafter referred to as the Act) for ejectment of eleven defendants.

2. Issue No. 6 framed in the case was referred under Section 331A of the Act to the Revenue Officer, Sub-Divisional Office, for seeking declaration under Section 143 or 144 of that Act, with regard to the question as to whether the land in suit was abadi land before the consolidation and even thereafter. The Revenue Officer by his order, dated September 3, 1970, dismissed the suit. Aggrieved by the dismissal of their suit, the plaintiffs preferred an appeal before the Commissioner, Meerut, who,