Gujarat High Court Issues Contempt Notice to Party-In-Person for Remarks Against Courts

The Gujarat High Court issued a notice to a party-in-person petitioner asking him to explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated, holding that his remarks were made with the intention of lowering the dignity of courts.

The case arose from a petition filed by a Surat-based litigant seeking directions over alleged illegal constructions near the Surat airport, during which he made derogatory statements against the Supreme Court, the High Court and a Magistrate, including seeking judicial “training” for the Magistrate.

The Court held that such conduct amounted to contempt, directed issuance of notice under the Contempt of Courts Act, and ordered the hearing video to be placed on record.