In Brief
A newspaper published articles questioning the propriety of orders passed by a former Chief Justice of India regarding commercial properties in Delhi, suggesting the orders benefitted his sons' business. An advocate brought the newspaper before the Delhi High Court, which initiated suo moto contempt proceedings against the newspaper's editor, city editor, publisher, and cartoonist. The High Court found them guilty of contempt. On appeal, the Supreme Court held that a High Court under Article 215 has jurisdiction only over contempt of itself and subordinate courts, not the Supreme Court. Only the Supreme Court under Article 129 can punish for contempt of itself. The High Court's order was set aside and the proceedings discharged. Appeals allowed.
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