Chhotu Ram vs Urvashi Gulati & Anr

The Supreme Court emphasized that proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 require a standard of proof akin to criminal proceedings, necessitating proof beyond reasonable doubt for contempt allegations. The Court reiterated that mere probabilities are insufficient for a contempt finding, as established in V.G. Nigam & Ors. Vs. Kedar Nath Gupta & Anr. (1992) 4 SCC 697, where willful conduct is a fundamental element of contempt. The Court held that the applicant was eligible for promotion based on the interpretation of Rule 9 of the Haryana Service of Engineers Class II Rules, affirming the need for clarity in administrative orders regarding eligibility criteria.