D.N.TANEJA vs BHAJAN LAL

The Supreme Court held that under Section 19(1) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, an appeal lies only when the High Court exercises its jurisdiction to punish for contempt. The Court clarified that if no punishment is imposed, the High Court does not exercise its contempt jurisdiction as conferred by Article 215 of the Constitution. The Court upheld the preliminary objection regarding the maintainability of the appeal, affirming that the right of appeal is solely for the contemnor, while the remedy for the complainant lies under Article 136.