ORDER

K.R. Surana, J.—Heard Mr. T.J. Mahanta, learned senior counsel, and standing counsel for this Court, assisted by Mr. A. Baruah, learned counsel. Also heard Mr. Ziaul Kamar, learned senior counsel, who is the amicus curiae in the matter, assisted by Mr. R.K.D. Choudhury, learned counsel. Also heard Mr. Utpal Goswami, the respondent-contemnor who has appeared in-person.

2. The respondent-contemnor, who is an Advocate by profession, was charged with criminal contempt under Section 14 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. On his appearance, the respondent had filed an affidavit in support of his defence on 17.01.2023 and in paragraph 5 and 6 thereof the respondent contemnor has pleaded guilty of the charge. Some of the statement made by the respondent- contemnor in the said affidavit are extracted below:—

“3. That, I am the accused herein and understand the charge against me as I am a practicing advocate.

4. That, I make my statement whilst in my sound mind and sober senses and make it freely and voluntarily without any undue influence while in sober senses.

5. That I beg to plead guilty in respect of the charges as per the reference made under Section 15(2) of the Contemp