1986 CRI. L. J. 2065 ::1985 (2) APLJ 193 ::1985 (2) AndhLT 200 ::1985 (2) Crimes 741

Andhra Pradesh High Court

Hon'ble Judge(s): K. Jayachandra Reddy, L. Rao , JJ

Constitution of India , Art.215, Art.227— Contempt of Courts Act (70 of 1971) , S.23— Contempt of Courts (Andhra Pradesh High Court) Rules (1980) , R.27— Power of High Court as Court of Record - High Court can grant consequential relief such as restoration of possession in disposing of contempt application - R.27 enabling High Court to pass orders as justice of case requires is intra vires Art.215. The object underlying the Contempt of Courts Act is to uphold the majesty and dignity of Law Courts and their image in the minds of the public. Art.215 vests in a High Court all the powers of a Court of Record including the power to punish for contempt. The words "powers to punish for contempt" do not limit the other powers of the High Court as it possesses as a Court of Record. The Contempt of Courts Act is meant for limiting the powers of Courts in punishing and to regulate the procedure and in addition it expressly confers upon the High Court -power to punish for contempt of subordinate Courts also. (Para 5) Rule 27 of the Contempt of Court Rules framed by the High Court of Andhra Pradesh by virtue of the powers conferred under S.23 of the Contempt of Courts Act read with Art.215 of the Constitution only reiterates what is enshrined in Art.215 and is in conformity with the powers of the High Court....