Supreme Court: Delay in Compliance Without Wilful Intent Not Contempt

The Supreme Court has held that delay in complying with its orders does not amount to contempt unless there is wilful or contumacious intent.

A bench of CJI BR Gavai and Justice AG Masih dismissed a contempt plea against Punjab National Bank for failing to disburse dues to a retired manager within three months, citing administrative hurdles post-merger. 

The Court stressed that contempt requires mens rea, which cannot be inferred merely from delay.

It also ruled that contempt petitions cannot be used to assert fresh claims, rejecting the petitioner’s plea for pension benefits not adjudicated earlier.