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ANUPINDER SINGH GREWAL, KIRTI SINGH
Court on Its Own Motion – Appellant
Versus
Surjeet Singh – Respondent
JUDGMENT :
Anupinder Singh Grewal, J.
This criminal original contempt petition has been listed after suo motu notice had been taken by the Single Bench with regard to the averments of the respondent in a petition filed under Section 482 Cr.P.C.
2. The respondent, while preferring the petition under Section 482 Cr.P.C., had stated that the Judicial Magistrate is not inclined to pass an order but is only inclined to give adjournments and the respondent is being harassed by the action of the Judicial Magistrate. The Single Bench had referred to the zimni orders passed by the Court of JMIC which indicated that the matter had been adjourned at the request of the counsel for the respondent and, therefore, it took suo motu notice for initiation of criminal contempt proceedings. The order of the Single Bench dated 12.10.2023 is reproduced hereunder:-
Statements made in good faith about a judicial officer do not constitute criminal contempt, promoting open dialogue and criticism within the justice system.
The publication by the contemnor constituted criminal contempt by scandalizing the court and interfering with the administration of justice, warranting punishment under the Contempt of Courts Act.
Statements that are scurrilous, offensive, and malicious, and are intended to scandalize the court and lower its authority, amount to contempt of court and are not protected by the freedom of speech ....
The court affirmed its power to take suo motu action in instances of criminal contempt that undermine judicial authority, irrespective of the Advocate General's opinion.
Attempt to scandalize or lower authority of Court falls under definition of ‘criminal contempt’.
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