Criminal Contempt and Advocates Accountability: Bombay High Court Penalizes Threats to Judiciary

sketch of the Bombay High Court
Case
SAJIDUZZAMAN MUHAMMAD HANIF SHAHID v. SAGAR DURGADAS RATHOD AND ANOTHER (Bombay High Court, 05-10-2026)
Law
Advocates Act, Constitution of India, Contempt of Courts Act.

Highlights of the Judgment:

  • Examination of criminal contempt arising from threats and abusive language directed at a judicial officer by advocates.
  • Interpretation of Section 12 of the Contempt of Courts Act concerning the discretionary award of fine versus imprisonment.
  • Analysis of the legal standards for evaluating the bona fides and sincerity of an unconditional apology.
  • Application of Article 215 of the Constitution defining the inherent powers of a Court of Record.
  • Review of professional misconduct provisions under the Advocates Act, 1961.