JUDGMENT

Dr. Mukundakam Sharma and Anil R. Dave, JJ.

Delay condoned.

2. This appeal is directed against the judgment and order dated 21.1.2010 passed by the Division Bench of the Bombay High Court in suo motu criminal contempt petition No. 135/2009. By the aforesaid order passed, the Division Bench has held that the appellant herein is guilty of criminal contempt punishable under Section 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. By the said order, the High Court imposed a sentence on appellant to suffer simple imprisonment for a period of three months and to pay a fine of Rs. 5,000/- and in default thereof, to undergo simple imprisonment of 15 days. By the same order, the Division Bench also stayed the operation of the impugned judgment and order for a period of 10 weeks.

3. Being aggrieved by the aforesaid order, the appellant filed the present appeal on which notice was issued and operation of impugned judgment and order was also stayed until further orders. On service of notice, the State of Maharashtra has entered appearance. The matter is now placed for final arguments and, therefore, we have heard the appellant, who appears in person as also the counsel appearing for the respondent