In Brief
HSBC Pi Holdings sued to hold certain respondents in contempt for failing to comply with court orders requiring them to deposit USD 60 million in a bank account. The respondents claimed inability due to lack of funds. The Supreme Court held that courts retain jurisdiction to punish contempt even when an order is technically executable through other procedures. The respondents were found guilty of wilful disobedience for repeatedly making rejected submissions and failing to comply despite multiple opportunities and a court order dated 06.05.2021 directing deposit within six weeks. The Court allowed the contempt petition partly, finding the respondents liable for punishment, but gave them a final four-week opportunity to comply before imposing sentence.
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