In Brief
A doctor's licence to practice was suspended by a High Court in contempt proceedings for disobeying orders to demolish unauthorised construction. The Supreme Court held that suspension of a professional licence is not a valid punishment under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, which permits only imprisonment (up to six months) or fine (up to Rs. 2,000). The Court distinguished contempt of court from professional misconduct—separate offences governed by different statutes. While a medical practitioner found in contempt could potentially face disciplinary action by the National Medical Commission for professional misconduct, such action must follow statutory procedures, not be imposed as contempt punishment. The appeal was allowed and the doctor's licence revived.
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