HARIDAS DAS AND ANR. vs STATE OF WEST BENGAL AND ORS.

The Supreme Court held that Section 211 of the Indian Penal Code, 1860, applies to false charges made against a person, regardless of whether the charge pertains to a criminal proceeding or a special law like the Contempt of Court Act. The Court clarified that initiating contempt proceedings constitutes a criminal proceeding, thus allowing prosecution under Section 211. The appellants were found liable for falsely charging contempt, affirming the High Court's jurisdiction to order prosecution under the said section.