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Today, On 24th September, the Supreme Court exempted a Ministry of Environment official and contractors from appearing in a case concerning tree felling in Delhi’s Ridge area, while legal proceedings continue. The court criticized the DDA’s actions regarding deforestation and emphasized the importance of environmental protection and proper judicial processes.
The Allahabad High Court dismissed advocate Arun Mishra’s plea alleging bias against Gujarat HC Chief Justice Sunita Agarwal, deeming it frivolous and without merit. The Court emphasized that contempt proceedings require Advocate General consent and clarified that Mishra’s claims did not constitute criminal contempt, underscoring the need to prevent frivolous petitions.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court upheld that fair reporting of court judgments is crucial for justice and press freedom, shielding journalists from contempt charges. This ruling highlights the press’s essential function in promoting transparency and accountability in state actions and judicial outcomes.
The Allahabad High Court issues strict measures to address lawyer strikes in Uttar Pradesh district courts, ruling participation as criminal contempt. Strikes caused substantial disruptions in judicial proceedings, leading to mandates for mandatory reporting, grievance redressal committees, and scheduling condolence meetings after 3:30 PM to prevent disruptions. The Court emphasizes the critical nature of the issue, highlighting the potential collapse of the judicial system.
The Supreme Court has requested a response from bar leader Rajiv Khosla regarding a petition by former Delhi district court judge Sujata Kohli, challenging the Delhi High Court’s decision to exonerate Khosla in a contempt case. Khosla’s discharge was based on insufficient evidence to prove guilt. The case will be reviewed in three weeks.
On Friday(2nd August),the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh summoned the Deputy Commissioner of Ganderbal, Shyambir (IAS), after a trial court judge alleged that Shyambir was attempting to frame him in retaliation for an adverse order. The notice, issued by Justices Sanjeev Kumar and Atul Sreedharan, follows a criminal contempt reference from Chief Judicial Magistrate Fayaz Ahmad Qureshi.
The Kerala High Court ordered 28 lawyers to provide free legal services as a remedy for their contempt of court, after they apologized for shouting abusive slogans against a Chief Judicial Magistrate. The court found their apology insufficient and proposed this measure, which the lawyers accepted while ensuring their right to practice law.
The Delhi High Court convicted Pradeep Aggarwal for criminal contempt of court due to attempting to extort money via a petition against alleged illegal construction. The court imposed a Rs.1 lakh fine and ordered his presence throughout the day. The bench, while emphasizing the severity of his conduct, considered Aggarwal’s remorse in delivering the punishment.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court stresses the significance of constructive criticism for democratic dialogue and judicial improvement. It dropped criminal contempt proceedings against a citizen, recognizing the backlog of cases and the citizen’s desperation for justice. The Court emphasized the need for a measured approach to contempt jurisdiction and encouraged citizen engagement with the judicial system.