Section 24. Repeal

24. Repeal.— The Contempt of Courts Act, 1952 (32 of 1952), is hereby repealed. STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS It is generally felt that he existing law relating to contempt of courts is somewhat uncertain, undefined and unsatisfactory. The jurisdiction to punish for contempt touches upon two important fundamental rights of the citizen, namely, the right to personal liberty and the right to freedom of expression. It was, therefore, considered advisable to have the entire law on the subject scrutinised by a special committee. In pursuance of this, a Committee was set up in 1961 under the Chairmanship of the late Shri H. N. Sanyal, the then Additional Solicitor-General. The Committee made a comprehensive examination of the law and problems relating to contempt of court, in the light of the position obtaining in our own country and various foreign countries. The recommendations which the Committee made took due note of the importance given to freedom of speech in the Constitution and of the need for safeguarding the status and dignity of courts and the interests of administration of justice.