Rajasthan High Court: Criminal Contempt Not Meant to Protect Personal Ego of Judges

The Rajasthan High Court recently dismissed a criminal contempt reference against seven police officers, ruling that the law of contempt is intended to protect the institution of the judiciary, not the personal prestige or ego of individual judges.

The Bench observed that personal criticism of a judge’s behavior, which does not scandalize the court or interfere with the administration of justice, does not constitute contempt.

The case arose from statements made by officers during an official inquiry regarding an Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate's (ACJM) alleged misbehavior.

The Court held that protecting judges from genuine grievances would render vigilance mechanisms redundant and undermine institutional accountability.

[In Re: Dilip Kumar Saini & Ors.]