Act 70 of 1971

The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971

An Act to define and limit the powers of certain courts in punishing contempts of courts and to regulate their procedure in relation thereto.

Section	Title
1	Short title and extent.	Read
2	Definitions.	Read
3	Innocent publication and distribution of matter not contempt.	Read
4	Fair and accurate report of judicial proceeding not contempt.	Read
5	Fair criticism of judicial act not contempt.	Read
6	Complaint against presiding officers of subordinate courts when not contempt.	Read
7	Publication of information relating to proceedings in chambers or in camera not contempt except in certain cases.	Read
8	Other defences not affected.	Read
9	Act not to imply enlargement of scope of contempt.	Read
10	Power of High Court to punish contempts of subordinate courts.	Read
11	Power of High Court to try offences committed or offenders found outside jurisdiction.	Read
12	Punishment for contempt of court.	Read
13	Contempts not punishable in certain cases.	Read
14	Procedure where contempt is in the face of the Supreme Court or a High Court.	Read
15	Cognizance of criminal contempt in other cases.	Read
16	Contempt by judge, magistrate or other person acting judicially.	Read
17	Procedure after cognizance.	Read
18	Hearing of cases of criminal contempt to be by Benches.	Read
19	Appeals.	Read
20	Limitation for actions for contempt.	Read
21	Act not to apply to Nyaya Panchayats or other village courts.	Read
22	Act to be in addition to, and not in derogation of, other laws relating to contempt.	Read
23	Power of Supreme Court and High Courts to make rules.	Read
24	Repeal.	Read