COMMR., AGRA vs ROHTAS SINGH

The Supreme Court upheld the Allahabad High Court's ruling that Government Advocates and Standing Counsel for the State of Uttar Pradesh cannot represent government officials in contempt proceedings. The Court affirmed that no state funds may be used for the legal expenses of officials facing contempt charges, which must be borne personally and can only be reimbursed if they are exonerated. The judgment also invalidated a Government Order from September 12, 1996, that allowed state law officers to defend officials in such cases, reinforcing the principle that contempt proceedings require independent legal representation.