Supreme Court: Contempt Jurisdiction Limited to Compliance, Not Re-Adjudication of Issues

The Supreme Court ruled that courts exercising contempt jurisdiction cannot re-adjudicate issues already settled in original proceedings.

The Bench observed that the scope of such jurisdiction is strictly confined to ensuring compliance with binding directions. The ruling came after the Allahabad High Court, while hearing a contempt petition, effectively reversed its own earlier order regarding an employee's retirement benefits.

The Supreme Court set aside this decision, emphasizing that courts cannot transgress their limits by re-examining concluded issues.

Consequently, the Court restored the employee’s benefits and awarded ₹1 lakh as compensation for prolonged litigation.

[Jalim Singh v. Nand Kishore & Ors.]