Supreme Court Emphasizes Mercy Over Muscle in Contempt Cases

The Supreme Court has highlighted that the power of contempt is not a personal shield for judges or a tool to silence criticism, emphasizing the importance of forgiveness when genuine remorse is shown. It remitted a one-week sentence against a woman by the Bombay High Court in a contempt case.

The Supreme Court has sent a strong message regarding the exercise of contempt jurisdiction, asserting that it is not a personal shield for judges or a weapon to stifle criticism. This statement was echoed during a case review that involved a woman sentenced by the Bombay High Court.

In this landmark verdict, Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta stressed that the judiciary should reflect mercy and forgiveness when a contemnor acknowledges their mistake and shows genuine remorse. The court underlined the necessity of judicial conscience and the virtue of forgiveness.

The top court's ruling came amidst an appeal against the high court's order, which had sentenced a former director of a housing complex for criminal contempt. The apex court noted her admission of error under pressure and satisfied the judicial conscience, which resulted in a remission of her sentence.

(With inputs from agencies.)