In force
The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971
24 sections · As amended up to 2026-08
Sections
- 1Short title and extent
- 2Definitions
- 3The notes on clauses explain in detail the provisions of the Bill
- 4Fair and accurate report of judicial proceeding not contempt
- 5Fair criticism of judicial act not contempt
- 6Complaint against presiding officers of subordinate courts when not contempt
- 7Publication of information relating to proceedings in chambers or
- 8Other defences not affected
- 9Act not to imply enlargement of scope of contempt
- 10Power of High Court to punish contempts of subordinate courts
- 11Power of High Court to try offences committed or offenders found outside jurisdiction
- 12Punishment for contempt of court
- 13Contempts not punishable in certain cases
- 14Procedure where contempt is in the face of the Supreme Court or a High Court
- 15Cognizance of criminal contempt in other cases
- 16Contempt by judge, magistrate or other person acting judicially
- 17Procedure after cognizance
- 18Hearing of cases of criminal contempt to be by Benches
- 19Appeals
- 20Limitation for actions for contempt
- 21Act not to apply to
- 22Act to be in addition to, and not in derogation of, other laws relating to contempt
- 23Power of Supreme Court and High Courts to make rules
- 24Repeal