Section 10 of COC, 1971 : Section 10: Power Of High Court To Punish Contempts Of Subordinate Courts

Explanation using Example

Imagine a scenario where a local newspaper in Delhi publishes an article that scandalizes a District Court Judge, suggesting that the judge is biased and corrupt. A lawyer who reads this article files a complaint with the Delhi High Court, alleging that the newspaper has committed contempt of the subordinate court (the District Court in this case).

The Delhi High Court, applying Section 10 of The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, decides to take up the case. The High Court has the authority to handle this matter just as if the contempt were directed at the High Court itself. However, if the article's content also constitutes a criminal offense under the Indian Penal Code, such as defamation, the High Court would not address the contempt aspect and the matter would proceed under the relevant sections of the IPC.