Criminal Law - The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 - Section 15 - Cognizance of criminal contempt in other cases

In the case of a criminal Contempt, other than a contempt referred to in section 14, the Supreme Court or the High Court may take action on its own motion or on a motion made by -

(a) The Advocate –General, or

(b) Any other person, with the consent in writing of the Advocate –General, (Note:- Ins. by Act 45 of 1976, sec.2)

(c) [(Note:- Ins. by Act 45 of 1976, sec.2)] In relation to the High Court for the Union territory of Delhi, such Law Officer as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify in this behalf, or any other persons, with the consent in writing of such Law Officer.

Sub Section (2)

In the case of any criminal contempt of a subordinate court, the High Court may take action on a reference made to it by the subordinate court or on a motion made by the Advocate General or, in relation to a Union territory, by such Law Officer as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify in this behalf.

Sub Section (3)

Every motion or reference made under this section shall specify the contempt of which the person charge is alleged to be guilty.

Explanation- In this section, the expression "Advocate-General" means-

(a) In relation to the Supreme Court, the Attorney or the Solicitor –General

(b) In relation to the High Court, the Advocate-General of the State or any of the States for which the High Court has been established.

(c) In relation to the court of a Judicial Commissioner, such Law Officer as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify in this behalf.

The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971

Section(s)

1 - 24

Judgement(s) Found in :
The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971
Section 15

ILC-2011-SC-CRL-May-11

O.P. Sharma & others Vs. High Court of Punjab & Haryana