In Brief
A magazine published an article in November 2008 allegedly containing contemptuous remarks about High Court judges. Advocates filed an application seeking suo motu contempt proceedings, but without the written consent of the Advocate-General. The High Court initiated suo motu action only in April 2015—nearly seven years later. The Supreme Court held that contempt proceedings must be initiated within one year under Section 20 of The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. An application by advocates without Advocate-General consent is not a valid motion; therefore, the limitation period runs from the date of the alleged contempt, not the application. The suo motu action was time-barred and the appeal was allowed.
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