Bombay High Court initiates contempt proceedings after litigant attempts to throw purse at judge

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Published 28 October 2026

Case: Suo Motu Contempt Case (not named in source)
Court: Bombay High Court
Bench: Justice S.V. Kotwal
Statutes: Contempt of Courts Act, 1971
Source: Bar & Bench

Bottom Line Up Front (BLUF)

The Bombay High Court initiated suo motu criminal contempt proceedings against a litigant who attempted to throw a purse at Justice S.V. Kotwal during court proceedings. The court directed the Prothonotary and Senior Master to register the case and issue a show cause notice to the litigant under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

Ratio Decidendi · Legal Principle Established

An attempt by a litigant to throw an object at a presiding judge during court proceedings constitutes an act of criminal contempt, warranting suo motu action by the court under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

Practice & Procedural Impact for Advocates

Advocates should advise clients against any disruptive or disrespectful conduct in court, as such actions can lead to immediate contempt proceedings. Litigants facing contempt charges must be prepared to show cause why they should not be punished for contempt of court.

Key Legal Takeaways

1Disruptive behaviour in court can lead to suo motu contempt proceedings.
2Attempting to assault a judge or throw objects at them is a serious act of criminal contempt.
3The court has the power to initiate contempt action to protect its dignity and the administration of justice.

The Legal Issue During a court proceeding, a litigant attempted to throw a purse at Justice S.V. Kotwal of the Bombay High Court. This act raised the question of whether such conduct constituted criminal contempt of court, warranting the initiation of suo motu proceedings by the High Court.

Court's Reasoning The Bombay High Court, presided over by Justice S.V. Kotwal, viewed the litigant's action as a direct affront to the dignity and authority of the court. The attempt to throw an object at a presiding judge during judicial proceedings was considered a clear act of criminal contempt. Consequently, the court decided to initiate suo motu criminal contempt proceedings against the litigant to uphold the sanctity of the judicial process and ensure respect for the administration of justice. The court did not cite specific sections of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, but the action falls under the general powers of the High Court to punish for contempt.

What Follows The Bombay High Court directed the Prothonotary and Senior Master to register a suo motu criminal contempt case against the litigant. A show cause notice will be issued to the litigant, requiring them to explain why they should not be punished for contempt of court. The matter will proceed in accordance with the provisions of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.