In Brief

In a landmark suo moto contempt petition against a High Court Judge, the Supreme Court held that sitting judges can be prosecuted for contempt of court, rejecting the contention that impeachment is the only remedy. The Court found the Judge guilty of criminal contempt for making widespread unsubstantiated allegations of corruption and other offences against fellow judges, and for purporting to pass orders interfering with the Court's investigation into the contempt charges. The judgment emphasizes that contempt power exists to preserve public confidence in the judiciary, not individual judges. The Court highlighted systemic failures in judicial appointments and called for national debate on establishing procedures to address judicial misconduct that does not warrant full impeachment.

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