BIJAY KUMAR MAHANTY vs JADU

The Supreme Court held that the appellant, a police officer, was guilty of contempt under Section 19 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 for arresting the respondent despite the latter producing a certified copy of a bail order. The Court emphasized the importance of upholding court orders to protect personal liberty and maintain public confidence in the judicial system. The appellant was sentenced to seven days of civil imprisonment, reinforcing the principle that disobedience of court orders undermines the rule of law.