Supreme Court Exercises Contempt Jurisdiction Against Sitting High Court Judge for Scandalizing Judiciary

sketch of the Supreme Court of India
Case
IN RE v. HONBLE MR JUSTICE C.S. KARNAN (Supreme Court of India, 09-05-2017)
Law
Code of Criminal Procedure, Constitution of India, Contempt of Courts Act, Judges (Inquiry) Act, Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.

Highlights of the Judgment:

  • Examination of the Supreme Court's inherent jurisdiction under Article 129 to initiate suo-motu contempt proceedings against a sitting High Court judge.
  • Judicial interpretation of criminal contempt focusing on scandalising the court and interference with the administration of justice.
  • Analysis of whether constitutional immunity or the process of impeachment bars contempt action against superior court judges.
  • Discussion on the scope of judicial accountability versus institutional independence in handling judicial misconduct.