The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971

Section 13. Contempts not punishable in certain cases

In force · As amended up to 2026-08

1[ 13. Contempts not punishable in certain cases. —Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force,— (a) no court shall impose a sentence under this Act for a contempt of court unless it is satisfied that the contempt is of such a nature that it substantially interferes, or tends substantially to interfere with the due course of justice; (b) the court may permit, in any proceeding for contempt of court, justification by truth as a valid defence if it is satisfied that it is in public interest and the request for invoking the said defence is bona fide .]

Source: India Code