Contempt of Court: A Perversion in Indian Criminal Justice System

Contempt of court is any act that disrespects, obstructs or undermines the authority, dignity or functioning of a court, aiming to uphold the administration of justice. Any conduct that has a tendency to interfere with the administration of justice or the due course of judicial proceedings can be prosecuted as criminal contempt. It generally falls into two types: Civil Contempt involves willful disobedience of court orders or breaches of undertakings and Criminal Contempt involves actions like scandalizing the court, prejudicing proceedings or interfering with justice publication or other acts. Punishments can include fines, imprisonment or both and the goal is to maintain public faith in the judiciary. Contempt of court Act protects the authority, dignity and sovereignty of the judges. While faircriticism is allowed, actions that undermine or obstruct justice are punishable. Balancing expression and judicial integrity will strengthen the criminal justice system in the country and will as a result save people’s faith in judiciary, ensuring their independent and fair operation without interference. The judges should care for contempt powers as a weapon of last resort, exercising them with caution and restraint, while ensuring order fulfillment and preventing impediment of justice.