AMIT KUMAR DAS JOINT SECRETARY vs SHRIMATI HUTHEESINGH TAGORE CHARITABLE TRUST (SOLE RESPONDENT)

The Supreme Court addressed the scope of contempt jurisdiction under Article 215 of the Constitution and the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, in the context of a High Court's decision that vacated a stay order instead of initiating contempt proceedings. The Court held that the High Court's approach was inappropriate as it undermined the authority of the stay order, emphasizing that willful disobedience to court orders constitutes contempt. Consequently, the Supreme Court stayed the operation of the High Court's judgment, reinforcing the need for adherence to judicial orders.