Delhi High Court: AFT Cannot Initiate Civil Contempt for Non-Compliance of Final Orders

The Delhi High Court held that the Armed Forces Tribunal (AFT) does not have the power to punish for civil contempt for non-compliance with its final orders.

The Court said Section 19 of the AFT Act is limited to conduct that interrupts or disturbs tribunal proceedings and does not cover disobedience after proceedings conclude.

It clarified that contempt for non-implementation of final AFT orders can be pursued before the High Court under the Contempt of Courts Act.

The ruling came while setting aside a Full Bench decision of the AFT. 

[UOI v. Lt Col Mukul Dev]