AIR 1953 MYSORE 103

Mysore High Court

Hon'ble Judge(s): Medapa , C.J. AND B. Vasudevamurthy , J

Contempt of Courts Act (12 of 1926) , S.3— Scope. A criminal case was pending against the accused for having conspired and caused mischief by fire to a mine. The Managing Director of the mine while addressing the Annual General Meeting of the company stated "The regrettable outbreaks of Are which have occurred in the Mine since the close of the period under review have cast a shadow over this year's working. These outbreaks were undoubtedly due to sabotage and have resulted in loss to the company, labour and Government and, though loss of life in fact did not take place, this might well have been the case. The police have instituted criminal proceedings against certain persons accused of being connected with these acts of sabotage". On the question whether this expression amounted to contempt of Court: Held, that there was no doubt some room for complaining that the respondent had, by saying that the incidents of fire were undoubtedly due to sabotage, given expression to an opinion on a matter which was 'sub judice' and this might well have been avoided. But under the circumstances the statement did not prejudice the fair and impartial trial of the case and did not therefore amount to contempt of Court. 50 Mys HCR 129, Explained; (1896) 1 QB 577 : AIR 1944 Cal 69 (SB); AIR 1931 Cal 257; (1889) 58 LJQB 490 and 49 Mys HCR 22, Rel. on(Para 3 ....