RIZWAN-UL-HASAN AND ANOTHER vs THE STATE OF UTTAR PRADESH.

The Supreme Court ruled that the jurisdiction in contempt of court under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1926, Section 3, requires proof of real prejudice that substantially interferes with the due course of justice. The Court held that the actions of the District Magistrate in transmitting applications to the Sub-Divisional Magistrate did not amount to contempt, as they were merely fulfilling their duties as superior officers without intending to influence the trial. Consequently, the appellants were found not guilty of contempt of court.