THE CONTEMPT OF COURTS ACT, 1971

ACT NO. 70 OF 1971 · Enacted [24th December, 1971.] · 24 sections

Section 1.Short title and extent.

Section 2.Definitions.

Section 3.Innocent publication and distribution of matter not contempt.

Section 4.Fair and accurate report of judicial proceeding not contempt.

Section 5.Fair criticism of judicial act not contempt.

Section 6.Complaint against presiding officers of subordinate courts when not contempt.

Section 7.Publication of information relating to proceedings in chambers or in camera not contempt except in certain cases.

Section 8.Other defences not affected.

Section 9.Act not to imply enlargement of scope of contempt.

Section 10.Power of High Court to punish contempts of subordinate courts.

Section 11.Power of High Court to try offences committed or offenders found outside jurisdiction.

Section 12.Punishment for contempt of court.

Section 13.Contempts not punishable in certain cases.

Section 14.Procedure where contempt is in the face of the Supreme Court or a High Court.

Section 15.Cognizance of criminal contempt in other cases.

Section 16.Contempt by judge, magistrate or other person acting judicially.

Section 17.Procedure after cognizance.

Section 18.Hearing of cases of criminal contempt to be by Benches.

Section 19.Appeals.

Section 20.Limitation for actions for contempt.

Section 21.Act not to apply to Nyaya Panchayats or other village courts.

Section 22.Act to be in addition to, and not in derogation of, other laws relating to contempt.

Section 23.Power of Supreme Court and High Courts to make rules.

Section 24.Repeal.