ABDUL KARIM vs M. K. PRAKASH AND ORS.

The Supreme Court addressed the issue of criminal contempt under Section 2(c) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, emphasizing that a judicial officer must act willfully within jurisdiction. The Court held that the Magistrate's order to release timber, despite a pending revision in the High Court, constituted criminal contempt as it impeded the course of justice. The High Court's finding of contempt against the Magistrate was upheld, reinforcing the principle that judicial orders must respect ongoing proceedings.