R. L. KAPUR vs STATE OF MADRAS

The Supreme Court upheld the High Court's decision to adjust a Rs. 500 deposit towards an unpaid fine imposed for contempt of court, ruling that Section 70 of the Penal Code does not apply as the contempt jurisdiction is a special law under Article 215 of the Constitution. The Court clarified that the power to punish for contempt arises from the Constitution itself, not from the Contempt of Courts Act, and thus no limitation period applies for collecting the fine. The appeal was dismissed, affirming the High Court's authority in contempt matters.