Delhi High Court to Examine Whether Attorney General’s Refusal in Contempt Matters can be Challenged

The Delhi High Court is set to examine whether the refusal of the Attorney General for India to grant consent for initiating contempt proceedings can be challenged before a court.

The matter arose from a petition filed by Venkatesh S challenging a 2023 order whereby the Attorney General declined permission to file a contempt case against the author and publishers of a 2019 article.

The plea raises important questions regarding the scope of judicial review over decisions made under the Contempt of Courts Act and the procedural safeguards governing initiation of contempt proceedings.