Affirmation of Order in Appeal Does Not Remove High Court’s Contempt Jurisdiction: Supreme Court

The Supreme Court has clarified that a High Court does not lose its power to hear contempt petitions just because its original order was later affirmed by the Supreme Court on appeal.

This arose in a dispute over a 2007 Madras High Court order regarding the Corporation of Chennai's absorption of employees. The Madras High Court had refused to hear contempt, saying its order had 'merged' with the Supreme Court’s affirmation. 

The Supreme Court ruled that although the Doctrine of Merger applies, it does not strip the High Court of contempt jurisdiction.

Therefore, the contempt petition must be reconsidered by the High Court.

[United Labour Federation v. Gagandeep Singh Bedi]