S. K. SARKAR, MEMBER, BOARD OF REVENUE, U.P., LUCKNOW vs VINAY CHANDRA MISRA

The Supreme Court held that Section 15(2) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 does not restrict the High Court's power to take suo motu cognizance of contempt of a subordinate court. The Court affirmed that the High Court acted properly in taking cognizance based on the petition of the respondent-advocate, despite the absence of a reference from the subordinate court or a motion by the Advocate-General. The judgment clarified that Articles 129 and 215 empower the Supreme Court and High Court, respectively, to punish contempt, and that the High Court can act on information from its own sources.