Holding

The Court held that the contemnor’s abusive, scandalising statements against the Supreme Court and its judges constitute gross criminal contempt under Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, justifying imprisonment and a fine.

Summary

Roshan Lal Ahuja, a former Draftsman in the Ministry of Defence, repeatedly challenged his reduction in rank, loss of benefits and dismissal from service through numerous writ petitions, all of which were dismissed. After receiving a monetary award of Rs 30,000, he filed another petition using highly abusive and scandalising language against the Supreme Court and its judges, and also sent a representation to the President of India copying the judges and the press. The Court found that his statements attacked the integrity and fairness of the judges, were intemperate, malicious and intended to undermine public confidence in the judiciary. Although he initially offered an unconditional apology, he later re‑tracted it and continued to circulate a “note for directions”, showing no remorse. The Court held that such conduct amounted to gross criminal contempt under Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 and sentenced him to four months’ simple imprisonment and a fine of Rs 1,000.

Issues considered

Whether the language used in the writ petition and the representation to the President constitutes criminal contempt under Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
Whether the contemnor’s apology, followed by its retraction, extinguishes liability for contempt.
Whether the precedent set in S.P. Sawhney v. Life Insurance Corporation of India is applicable to excuse the contemnor’s conduct.
Whether the contemnor is entitled to any relief regarding his service matters in view of the contempt proceedings.
Whether a deterrent punishment is warranted in cases of gross criminal contempt.

Legislation cited

Contempt of Courts Act, 1971s. 15

Subjects

criminal contemptscandalising the courtabuse of processjudicial criticismfreedom of speechdeterrent punishmentSupreme Court of India

Judgment

INRE: A
ROSHAN LAL AHUJA

NOVEMBER 26, 1992
A
--
[M.N. VENKATACHALIAH, S.C. AGRAWAL AND B
DR. AS. ANAND, JJ.]

Contempt of Courts Ac4 1971: Section 15-Criminal Contempt-Use
of abusive language in Writ Petition under Art.32 and in representation to
President of India with copies to JudgeS-Unfounded and unwa"anted asper, c
sions on the impartiality and ability of Judges-Effect of scandalising the Court
and undermining its dignity-Though offered unconditional apology, no.
remorse or regret shown in subsequent communications-Persistently a"ogant
defiant and Contemptuous attitude aimed at browbeating the Court-Dete"ent
punishment-Need for-Criticism of Judgments-Limit of.
D
The Contemnor who was an employee in the Ministry of Defonce was
reduced in rank from Draftsman Grade II to Draftsman Gr. III. He
challenged the same by filing a Writ Petition before the High Court which
was dismissed. Letters Patent Appeal was also dismissed by the Division
Bench. Special Leave Petition was rejected and the Review Petitions also E
failed. Thereafter, the Contemnor filed a Writ Petition under Art.32 before
this Court challenging his reduction in rank. However, the Writ Petition
was subsequently withdrawn by him.

In the meantime, he was convicted by the Sessions Court for an
offence of attempt to commit the murder of his wife. The conviction was F
confirmed by the High Court. Special Leave Petition filed against his
conviction and sentence was dismissed. Consequent upon his conviction,
the contemnor was dismissed from service.

The contemnor filed a Writ Petition before this Court again raising
the issues of reduction in rank, loss of monetary benefits and also dismiss- G
al from service. Various interim orders were issued, one of which directed
the Government to consider the question of entitlement of the contemnor
to arrears of salary and other benefits and another ordering his reinstate-
ment, but only as a fresh entrant. Accordingly, the Government reinstated
him in service during the pendency of the Writ Petition. He, however, filed H
257
258 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1992] SUPP. 3 S.C.R.

A another Writ Petition before the High Court claiming certain benefits on
his reinstatement. That Writ Petition came to be transferred to this Court,
and was dismissed. The Writ Petition pending in this Court regarding
dismissal from service was also dismissed.

The contemnor filed another Writ Petition before this Court raising
B identical points and seeking similar relief as prayed for in the earlier ·Writ
Petitions. The matter was heard by a three-Judges Bench and by virtue of
a majority judgment, the contemnor was directed to be paid a sum of
Rs.30,000 and a finality was given to the matter.

c anotherAfter receiving the said sum of Rs.30,000, the contemnor filed yet
Writ Petition praying for restoration of the earlier Petitions. This
Writ Petition was couched in highly objectionable language. The contem-
a
nor also addressed representation to the President of India with copies
to all the Judges of this Court and some othei- authorities as also to the
Press. In this representation, apart from the unfounded and uncalled for
D aspersions which have the tendency to scandalise this Court, the contem-
nor also stated that he has been heavily damaged by the Union of India
and subsequently by this Court by its deliberate, fraudulent, conspired and
.wilfully pronounced wrong judgm!!nts against al[ the existing provisions of
law. He~ce t~is Court initiated contempt proceedings against him.
E
In response to the contempt notice, the contemnor expressed his
regret and withdrew the objectionable statements in the petition as also in
the letter addressed to the President of India. He also offered uncondition-
al apology..Before the apology could be entertained by this Court, the
. Contemnor, however, circulated a "note for directions". The implication of
F ~he note was that th~ contemnor no more stood by his earlier apology. He
also di~ not recognise the position of the amicus curiae appointed by this.
,Court, to defend the contemnor.

. In response to an opportunity afforded to him by this Court the
G ~ontemnor stated that his offence was only technical and sought indul-
gence of this Court to drop the contempt proceed~ugs against him.

Finding the contemnor guilty of having committed gross criminal
contempt, this Court,

H . HELD: 1. The' image and personality of the apex Court is an in·
IN RE: ROSHAN LAL AHUJA 259

tegrated one. The passages in the memorandum of the writ petition and A
the letter addressed to the President of India attack the integrity and
fairness of the Judges. The remarks made by the contemnor are disparag-
ing in character and derogatory to the dignity of the Court and besides
scandalising the court in relation to judicial matters have the tendency to
shake the confidence of the public in the apex court. [270-8, CJ
B
2. The contemnor has permitted himself the liberty of using in-
temperate and abusive language in the offending documents which not only
has the effect of scandalising and lowering the authority of this court in
1·elation to judicial matters but also has the effect of substantially inter-
fering with and obstructing the administration of justice. The unfounded C
and unwarranted aspersions on the impartiality and ability of the Judges
of this court to render justice, has the tendency to undermine the authority
of the court and create a distrust in the public mind as to the capacity or;
Judges of this Court to meet out even handed justice. [269-H; 270-A-BJ

.3. The tendency of maligning the reputation of judicial officers by D
disgruntled elements who fail to secure an order which they desire is on
the increase and it is high time that serious note is taken of the same. No
latitude can be given to a litigant to browbeat the court. Merely because a
party chooses to appear in person, it does not give him a licence to indulge
in making such aspersions as have the tendency to scandalise the court in E
relation to judicial matters. [270-D, EJ

4. The contemnor after having tendered unqualified apology has·
tened to retract it and in the 'note for directions' asserted as if he had
been forced to apologise. Let alone showing any remorse or regret, he has
adopted an arrogant and contemptuous attitude. His conduct in circulat- F
ing the 'note for directions' adds insult to in.jury. Of course, the dignity of
the court is not so brittle as to be shattered by a stone thrown by a mad
man, but, when the court finds that the contemnor has been reckless,
persistent and guilty of undermining the dignity of the court and his action
is, motivated, deliberate and designed, the law of contempt of court must G
be activised. [272-A; 271-G, HJ

5. The contemnor was appraised of the seriousness of the allegations
on occasions more than one. He was given number of opportnnities to
express his regret and remorse. Even a senior advocate was requested by
... this Court to act as amicus curiae to assist the contemnor. The contemnor H
260 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1992] SUPP. 3 S.C.R.

A chose not to. express any sincere and voluntary regret. He· has been
deJiberately, consistently, persistently and repeatedly making statements
wbfoh are disparaging in character and derogatory to the dignity of this
court. His attitude .is defiant. He has while trying to browbeat the court
also attempted to scandalise it in relation to judicial matters.
[269-E, F; 272-F, G]
B
S.P. Sawhnej v. Life Insurance Corporation of India, [1991) 2 SCC
318, distinguished.

6. While ord~rs were reserved, after hearing the parties in this
contempt petition, the contemnor has addressed another communication·
c dated 18.11.1992 alongwith an annexure titled "honesty is the worst policy"
dated 18.2.1989. The tenor of the communication is no way different than
the earlier representation and the memorandum of writ petition or the
"note for directions". The communication is consistent with the pe~sistent
defiant attitude of the contemnor. The criticism by the contemnor in this
D latest communication also is motivated alid a calculated attempt to bring
down the image of the judiciary in the estimation of the public and it also
tends to bring the administration of justice into disrepute. It bristles with
the defiant and objectionable attitude of the contemn or aimed at browbeat-
ing the court. [273-D-H]
E
7. Ordinarily, courts of law do not initiate proceedings to commit a
person for contempt of court where there is mere technical contempt or
where the contemnor satisfies the court that he was truly repentant for his
action. Judgments of the court are open to criticism. Judges and courts
are not unduly sensitive or touchy to fair and reasonable criticism of their
F
judgments. Fair comments, even if, out-spoken, but made without any
malice or attempting to impair the administration of justice and made in
.good faith in proper language do not attract any punishment for contempt
of court. However, when from the criticism a deliberate, motivated and
calculated attempt is discernible to bring down the image of judiciary in
G .the estimation of the public or to impair the administration of justice or
tend to bring the administration of justice into disrepute the courts must
.
bestir themselves to uphold their dignity and the majesty oflaw. .No litigant
can be permitted to over step the limits of fair, bona fide and reasonable
critkism of a judgment and bring the courts generally in disrepute or
H attribute motives to the Judges rendering the judgment. Perversity, calcQ-
I
...
/;.
INRE: ROSHANLALAHUJA[ANAND,J.] 261

lated to undermine the judicial system and the prestige of the court, cannot A
be permitted for otherwise the very foundation of the judicial system is
bound to be undermined and weakened and that would be bad not only for
the preservation of Rule of Law but also for the independence of judiciary.
Liberty of free expression is not to be confused with a licence to make
unfounded, unwarranted and irresponsible aspersions against the Judges B
or the courts in relation to judicial matters. No system of justice can
tolerate such an unbridled licence. [270-F; 271~8-E]

8.1. If a person committing such gross contempt of court were to get
the impression that he will get off lightly it would be ~ most unfortunate
state of affairs. Sympathy in such a case would be totally misplaced - mercy C
has no meaning. His action calls for deterrent punishment so that it alsQ
serves as an example to others and there is no repetition of such a
contempt by any other person. [273-C]

8.2. The contemnor is guilty of having committed gross criminal
contempt of this Court and is accordingly sentt:nced to suffer simple D
imprisonment for a period of four months and to pay a tine of Rs.1000 and
in default he shall further undergo simple imprisonment for a period of
15 days. [274-C]

ORIGINAL JURISDICTION : Contempt Petition No.289 of 1992. E
Contemnor in person.

G.R Pai, (Amicus Curiae), Bharat Sangal, G. Ramaswamy, Attorney
General of India, V.C. Mahajan, Hemant Sharma, Ms. Sushma Suri and
Ms. A Subhashini for the other party. F
The Judgment of the Court was delivered by

DR. ANAND, J. Permissiveness of the judicial system which enabled
the contemnor to file innumerable petitions claiming the same relief arising
out of the same cause of action undettered by its refusal, on va~ious G
occasions by this Court coupled with the indulgence and sympathy shown
by this Court, appears to have emboldened the respondent-contemnor to
cast unfounded and unwarranted aspersions and make scurrilous and
indecent attacks against this Court and its Judges in wild, intemperate and
even abusive language. Narration of facts to point out the extent to which H
262 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1992] SUPP. 3 S.C.R.

A the contemnor has abused the process of the Court and how indulgence
and sympathy shown by this Court has been 'exploited' by him is. not only
desira~le but necessary to appreciate how and why contempt proceedings
have been initiated against him.

Shri Roshan Lal Ahuja {hereinafter referred to as the 'contemnor'}
B
was appointed as a Draftsman Grade II in the pay scale of Rs.205-7-240-
8-280 in 1964 with the Defence Research· and Development Organisation,
Ministry of Defence, Government of India. On 28th June, 1970, he was
reduced in rank to the post of Draftsman Grade III in the scale of Rs.
150-5-175-6-205-EB-7-240. The contemnor filed Writ Petition No.194/70 in
c the Delhi High Court challenging his reduction in rank. On 16th'August,
1974, the writ petition was dismissed by a learned single Judge. A Letters
Patent Appeal against the said judgment was also dismissed by the Division
Bench on December 3, 1974. Special Leave Petition was preferred in this
Court which also failed. The contemnor then sought a review of the order
D in· the special leave petition on two different occasions and both the .
petitions were dismissed. Though the matter should have ended here, the
contemnor. filed yet another Writ Petition No.32/77 under Article 32 of the
Constitution once again putting in issue his reduction in rank from
Draftsman Grade II to Draftsman Grade III. That. writ petition was,
however sub~equently withdrawn. It transpires t~at the cbntemnor was
E convicted by the Sessions Judge for an offence of attempting to commit
murder by shooting at his wife. The conviction was confirmed by the High
Court. A special leave petition against his conviction and sentence was filed
in this Court and the same was dismissed. However, some observations
were made while dismissing the special leave petition in the criminal case,
F which according to the contemnor had absolved him of any moral turpitude
in the matter. Consequent upon his conviction, the contemnor, after notice,
was dismissed from service. He filed Writ Petition No.4462/78 and various
interim applications in the said writ petition putting in issue once again his
reduction in rank and loss of monetary benefits. He later on amended the
writ petition with a view to challenge the order of dismissal also. In the
G said Writ Petition, No4462/78, rule nisi was issued. Various interim orders
also came· tu be made. One of the interim orders in the writ petition
directed the Government to consider the question of entitlement of the
contemnor to arrears of salary and other benefits and by yet another
interim order his reinstatement was ordered with the stipulation that he be
H so reinstated but only as a fresh entrant. That order reads thus: '
IN RE: ROSHAN LAL AHUJA {ANAND, J.] 263

"Defence Ministry will expedite fOnsideration and as far A
as possible absorb this small draftsman back into service
subject to such conditions as it seeks to impose. The
appointment will be a de novo appointment.;r

In obedience to the interim order (supra) the contemnor was reinstated in
service during the pendency of the writ-petition. He, however, filed another B
.. , writ petition in the Delhi High Court for the benefits to which he claimed
to be entitled consequent on his reinstatement. That writ-petition was, at
the request of the contemnor, transferred to this Court and heard
alongwith Writ Petition No.4462/78. Chinnappa Reddy, J. constituting tlie
Bench with Ranganath Misra, J. (as Their Lordships then were) dismissed C
Writ Petition No.4462/78 on merits on 20th November 1986. With regard
to his grievance against reduction in rank and arrears of salary etc., the
Bench observed:

"We do not think that any interference is called for by us
at the instance of the petitioner. As mentioped by us the D
order reducing him in rank was questioned by him
repeatedly before the present writ petition was filed and
on every occasion he lost. We do not see any justification
for permitting him to challenge the order once. again in
the present writ petition. In view of the dismissal of the E
earlier writ petitions we cannot also entertain his claims
for arrears of salary and other benefits."

The Bench also found that the order of dismissal of the contemnor
from service on the ground that he had been convicted of a criminal
offence which had been made after notice to him did not suffer from any F
infirmity. The Bench negatived the plea of the contemnor, who was appear-
ing in person, that in view of the observations of this Court at the time of
the disposal of the special leave petition, in the criminal case, absolving
him of ·moral turpitude, he could not have been dismissed from service.
The Bench observed:
G
"It is not possible for us to accept this contention. All that
the court said was that it may be that there was no moral
turpitude and that may be taken into account for other
purposes but so far as the criminal case was concerned
the conviction ·and sentence were correct. We are not H
264 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (1992] SUPP. 3 S.C.R.

A prepared to read the observations of the Court as absolv-
ing the petitioner of all moral turpitude. We are unable
to hold that the order dismissing the petitioner from
service was illegal or improper. The petitioner has filed
innumerable petitions, for amendment of the writ petition,
for inspection of documents, for directions and so on. We
B do not consider it necessary to refer to any of these ...
applications. he also filed a writ petitfon in the Delhi High
Court for the benefits to which he claimed to be eµtitled
consequent on his reinstatement. This writ petition is also
before us having been transferred to this Court. We do
c riot see any merit in it. The.Writ petition, the transferred
case and the several civil miscellaneous petitions are dis-
missed."

The matter did not rest here with the dismissal, on merits, of Writ Petition
D No.4462/78. The contt?mnor file yet another Writ petition No.946/88 raising
identical points and seeking similar relief based on the same cause of action
and the pfoas. That writ petition was hearcl by a Division Bench comprising
Chief Justice of India, Venkatachaliah, and Ahmadi, JJ. Before the Bench
maintainability of the. writ petition was seriously questioned by the respon-
dents. It was asserted on behalf of the respondents that the judgment of
E this Court dated 20th November 1986 in Writ Petition 4462/78 and the
connected matters had finally disposed of the contemnor's claims and a
fresh proceeding in the teeth of that judgment was not maintainable. The
objection, however, was not discussed by the Bench but two of the learned
Judges constituting the Bench, namely, Chief Justice of India and
Venkatachaliah, J. vide order dated March 7, 1991, found that no direction
F
for payment of salary for any specific period, as claimed, could be made
in favour of the contemnor but the Bench then went on to say:
/

(
"We, however, feel that the petitioner's grievance would

G
be adequately met if a quantified sum is paid to him. We r.
had suggested to Mr. Mahajan for the Union of India to
indicate the amount when the matter was heard but he I
ultimately left it to us. Taking an overall picture available \~
from the records and the submissions that have been made
at the Bar we fix such sum at Rs.30,000 !thirty thousand)
H net and direct the Union of India to pay the same to the

/
IN RE: ROSHAN LAL AHUJA [ANAND, J.] 265

petitioner within eight weeks hence. The necessity to make A
an order of this type has arisen on account of the fact that
the observations made by the three-Judge judgment,
referred to above, had not been given effect to when the
writ petition of 1978 was disposed of. This must be taken
as the final order in this proceeding and the Registry
would not l?e justified to entertain any fresh application
B
to the petitioner. Criminal M.P. No.3564 of 1989 is also
.
disposed of."

A separate dissenting judgment was delivered by Ahmadi, J. on 29th April
1991. The learned Judge found substance in the objection to the main- C
tainability of the writ petition and traced the history of the litigation
culminating in dismissal of Writ Petition No.4462/78 on merits by its order
dated 20th November, 1986. The learned Judge observed:

"This Court after taking note of innumerable petitions D
filed by the petitioner refused to interfere with the order
of dismissal nor did it see any reason or justification for
grant of any monetary benefits. Yet the petitioner has filed
the present writ petition. It deserves to be dismissed on
the above stated facts. To grint any relief would only
encourage multiplicity of proceedings by such litigants. I E
would, therefore, dismiss the petition."

In accordance with the directions contained in the majority judgment, the
contemnor received without any demur, the sum of Rs.30,000, thereby
accepting the finality of the adjudication. But that was not to be and even F
though the majority judgment in Writ Petition No.946/86 had directed in
unequivocal terms that the said order dated March 7, 1991, should be taken
as the final order in these .proceedings and the Registry would not be
justified to entertain any fresh application of the contemnor, it did not have
the desired effect and on 4th October 1991, yet another writ petition
bearing No.CC-15534/92, was filed with the prayer to restore Writ Petition G
No.946/88 and Cr!. Misc. Petition No.3564/89 in Cr!. Review Petition
Nos.337-38/85 and grant relief which had been earlier refused to him, after
due consideration an-.: reasoned judgments of this court in Writ Petition
Nos.4462/78 and 946/88. This was followed by an application for directions
dated 10th December 1991. The above narration of facts shows how the H
266 SUPREME COURT REPORTS (1992] SUPP. 3 S.C.R.

A contemnor has abused the process of this court and exploited the indul~
gence shown to him. On the one had he received the benefits of the
judgment in Writ Petition No.946/88 by receiving Rs. 30,000 and on the
other hand be sought to have that judgment also reopened through another
writ petition couched in highly objectionable language.

B The contemnor also addressed a representation, dated 12th Novem-
ber, 1991 to the President of India, copies. of the representation were sent
to all the Judges of.the Supreme Court and "other persons, authorities, if
any" as well as to the Press.

C It is not necessary to reproduce the unwarranted attacks against this
Court and its Judges or the aspersions cast on the integrity and fairness of
the Judges of this Court as contained either in the memorandum of the
writ petition or the representation addressed. to the President of India. To
demonstrate the extent of liberty which the contemnor has permitted
himself to scandalise this Court and cast aspersions in intemperate and
D even abusive language against the Judges of the Court it would suffice to
notice what the petitioner has said while formulating, what he considers to
be important and substantial questions of law, in the memorandum of the
writ petition~ At page 2 of the memorandum, sub-paragraph V & VI, the
petitioner has said thus :
E . -· ··~ ~

"V. Will not this be a case of an open discrimination,
injustice and unfairness to the petitioner-in-person and
favourism to the Respondent/VOi by this highest Court
of the land while pronouncing a deliberate ill and er-
roneous judgments in CWP No.4462/78 on 20.11.1986 and
F subsequent writ petition No.946/88 on 7.3.1991 (29.4.1991)
with Cr.M.P. No.3564/89 in Cr. RP Nos. 337 & 338of1985
of the petitioner and limini order of dismissal dated
25.9.1991 in RP 782/91.?

_ VI. Will not this be a case of judicial dishonesty, con-
G
spiracy and fraud committed by the Hon'ble Judges
through the judgments pronounced in writ petition
No.4462/78 and 946/88 with Cr.MP No. 3564/89 in Cr. RP.
Nos. 337 & 338/1985........ ?"
)

H In the representation to the President of India, apart from other
IN RE: ROSHAN LALAHUJA[ANAND,J.) 'lf>7

unfounded and uncalled for aspersions which have the tendency to scan- A
dalise this Court in relation to its judicial functions, the petitioner in the
very opening paragraph has said:

"That the Petitioner was a servant with the Defence Re-
search and Development Organisation, Ministry of
Defence, Government of India, New Delhi, has been B
heavily damaged by the Union of India and subsequently
by the Supreme Court of India by its deliberate,
fraudulent, conspired and wilfully pronounced wrong
judgments against all the existed provisions of law......"

It was on going through the memorandum of the writ petition (CC-
c
15534/92) and the representation dated 12th November, 1991 addressed to
the President of India, that this Court was constrained to initiate proceed-
ings for criminal contempt against him vide order dated 31st March, 1992.
That other reads thus :
D
•"On going through the memorandum of writ petition and
the _r.epresentation dated 12th November1 1991 addressed
to the President of India, we find that the petitioner, Sh.
Roshan Lal Ahuja has permitted himself the liberty of
making scurrilous and indecent attacks against this Court
E
and its Judges in wild, intemperate and abusive language
which, prima facie, tend to scandalise the Court in relation
to judicial matters and to interfere with the administration
of justice. The said representation dated 12.11.1991 ad-
dressed by the petitioner to the President of India indi-
cates that the copies thereof are sent to all the Judges of F
the Supreme Court, "other persons, authorities, if any" and
to the Press.

We asked the petitioner whether, at least at this stage,
he realises seriousness of the matter atid of the serious
consequences it may entail for him and whether he would G
even at this stage relent and express regret and withdraw
these objectionable statements. The petitioner is argumen-
tativ.:: and does not show any inclination towards what
might perhaps otherwise avoid for him the consequences
of the initiation of proceedings for criminal contempt of .H
268 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1992] SUPP. 3 S.C.R.

A court.

We are, accordingly, .constrained to initiate proceed-
ings for criminal contempt against Shri Roshan Lal Ahuja.
Issue notice in the prescribed format annexing thereto the
copy of the writ petition containing the objectionable
B statements and a copy of the representation dated 12.11.1991
made by him to the President of India which also similarly
contains such statements.

The notice shall be served on him at 2.00 p.m. today
c and Shri Roshan Lal Ahuja who is present in Court is
directed to be present at 2.00 p.m. for receiving the notice.
His explanation shall be filed on 24.4.1992. Shri Roshan
Lal Ahuja is directed to be present in the Court on that
day."

D On 24th April 1992, the contemnor appeared and endeav~ured to
say that he regretted the allegations which he had permitted himself to
make in the offending documents and prayed for time to file an affidavit
containing unqualified apology. The court granted him time till 5th of May
1992, which was extended further. Eventually, the contemnor filed a reply
E to the notice for initiating contempt proceedings against him dated
31.3.1992. After expressing his regret and withdrawing all the objectionable
statements in the petition as well as in the letter addressed to the President
of India "as desired and observed by Your Lordships", the Contemnor went
on to give an explanation in his reply to the notice. The reply was supported
by an affidavit in which the Contemnor inter alia averred:
F
"The deponent has brought on record of this Hon'ble
Court and the Hon'ble President of India his conscien-
tious feelings which this Hon'ble Court considered un-
reasonable in the deep eyes of law for which the deponent
has really regretted as above."
G
On 12th August, 1992, the Bench, after perusal of the reply and the
affidavit observed that it did not sound "sincere and does not make
manifest a realisatjon _on the part of the Contemnor of the gravity of his
offence". The Bench being of the view that the case may require a deterrent
H action and taking note of the fact that the contemnor was appearing in
INRE: ROSHANLALAHUJA[ANAND,J.] 269

person, requested Mr. G.B. Pai, learned senior counsel to assist in the A
matter. This in fact was also the request made by the contemnor. The
learned Attorney General was also directed to remain present on 19.8.1992
and assist the Court. An affidavit of unconditional apology was thereafter
filed on 20.8.1992. The matter, however, did not rest there as the sub-
sequent events show. Before the apology could be considered by this Court,
the contemnor, circulated a "note for directions". Apart froiµ other things,
B
the implication of this note is that the Contemnor does not stand by the
earlier apology dated 20.8.1992. He also does not recognise Mr. G.B. Pai's
position as amicus curiae; He asserts in the note that he is innocent and
that 'the rules are technical'. He objected to the presence of the Attorney
General by saying that "Presence of Union of India in contempt have no c
locus standi". It is also stated in the note that "petitioner is made to
apology". He also stated that petitioner is entitled to a defence counsel but
"all are businessmen". It is also submitted in the note that:

"Dignity of the court may not be maintained by punishing
innocent petitioner who has been scrapped by the Union
D
of India and its'coriupt officials through the hands of this
highest c~urt of the land and mistakes of the Court."

- The contem!!_6r, on 3.11.1992, appearing in person before the court
admitted the authorship and circulation of the note for directions. He was E
apprised of the sedousness of the withdrawal of the unconditional apology
and in the making-of the allegations in the memorandum of the writ
petition and the representation to the President of India. An opportunity
was granted to the contemnor to point out any extenuating or mitigating
circumst~nce or state anything further in his defence before the court gives F
its verdict. The contemnor submitted that his offence was only technical
and placing r~liance on a judgment of this Court in S.P. Sawlmey v. Life
Insurance Corporation of India, [1991) 2 SCC 318, sought indulgence of the
court to. drop the contempt proceedings against him. However, the con-
temnor neither exhibited remorse nor showed any repentance or contrition
on his part: ·He, on the other hand, adopted an attitude of defiance. G

The facts are telltale and not in dispute. That the memorandum of
writ petition and the representation to the President of India contain
scurrilous and indecent attacks on this court as well as on the Judges of
this Court in intemperate and abusive language is not denied. The contem- H
270 SUPREME COUllT REPORTS [1992] SUPP. 3 S.C.R.

A nor has permitted himself the liberty of using language in the offending
documents which not only has the effect of scandalising and lowering the
authority of the court in relation to judicial matters but also has the effect
of substantially interfering with and obstructing the administration of jus-
tice. The unfounded and unwarranted aspersions on the impartiality and
ability of the judges of 'this court to render justice has the tendency to
B undermine the. aut.hority of the court and create a distrust in the public
mind as to the capacity of Judges of this Court to meet out even handed
justice. The image and personality of the apex court is an integrated one.
The passages in the memorandum of the writ petition and the letter
addressed to the President of India attack the integrity and fairness of the
c Judges: The remarks made by the contemn or are disparaging in· character
and derogatory to the dignity of the Court and besides scandalising the
court in relation to judicial 'matters have the tendency to shake the con-
fidence of the public in the apex court.

The tendency ~f maligning the reputatfon of judicial officers by
D disgruntled elements who fail to secure an order which .they desire is on
the increase and it is high time that serious note is taken of the same. No
latitude can be given to a litigant to browbeat the court. Merely because a
party choose to appear to person, it does not give him a licence to indulge
in making such aspersions as have the tendency to scandalise the court in
E relation to judicial matters.

Ordinarily, courts of law do not initiate proceedings to commit a
person for contempt of court where there is mere technical contempt or
where the contemnor satisfies the court that he was truly repentant for his
F action. Judgments of the court are open to criticism. Judges and courts.are
not unduly sensitive or touchy to fair and reasonable criticism of their
judgments. Fair comments, even if, out-spoken, but made without any
malice or attempting to impair the administration of justice and made in
good faith in proper language do not attract any punishment for contempt
of court. Lord l)emzing in Reg v. Commissioner of Police of the Metropolis,
G E-.: parte Blacbum, (1?68) 2 WLR 1204 made some pertinent observations
in this regard. In the words of the Master of Rolls:

"Those who comment can deal faithfully with all that is
done in a court of justice. They· can say that we are
H mistaken, and our decisions erroneous, whether they are
INRE: ROSHANLALAHUJA[ANAND,J.] 271

subject to appeal or not. All we would ask is that those A
who criticise us will remember that, from the nature of
our office, we cannot reply to their criticism. We cannot
enter into public controversy. Still less into political con-
troversy."

B
However, when from the criticism a deliberate, motivated and calculated
attempt is discernable to bring down the image of judiciary in the estima-
tion of the public or to impair the administration of justice or tend to bring
the administration of justice into disrepute the courts must bestir themsel-
ves to uphold their dignity and the majesty of law. No litigant can be
permitted to over step the limits of fair, bona fide and reasonable criticism c
of a judgment and bring the courts generally in disrepute or attribute
motives to the Judges rendering the judgment. P~rversity, calculated to
undermine the judicial system and the prestige of the court, cannot be
permitted for otherwise the very foundation of the judicial system is bound
to be undermined and weakened and that would be bad not only for the D
preservation of Rule of Law but also for the independence of judiciary.
Liberty of free expression is not to be confused with a licence to make
unfounded, unwarranted and irresponsible. aspersions against the Judges
or the courts in relation to judicial matters. No system of justice can
tolerate such an unbridled licence. Of course "Justice is not a cloistered
virtue; she must be allowed to suffer the scrutiny and respectful, even E
though outspoken, comments of ~lfdinary men", but the members of the
public have to abstain from imputing improper motives to those taking part
in the administration of justice and exercise their right of free criticism
without malice or in any way attempting to impair the administration of .
• justice and refrain from making any comment which tends to scandalise F
the court in relation to judicial matters.
1

The contemnor in the present case let alone showing any remorse or
regret has adopted an arrogant .and contemptuous attitude. His conduct in
circulating the 'note for directions' adds insult to injury. Of course, the G
dignity of the court is not so brittle as to be shattered by a stone thrown
by a mad man, but, when the court finds that the contemner has been
' reckless, persistent and guilty of undermining the dignity of the court and
his action is, motivated, deliberate and designed, the law of contempt of
court must be activised. H
272 SUPREME COURT REPORTS [1992) SUPP.3S.C.R.

A The contemnor after having tendered the unqualified apology has-
tened to retrace it and in the 'note for directions' asserted as if he had been
forced to apologise. The contemnor has, thus, shown that he has no regrets
for his action .. 11;1 an attempt to escape the punishment, the contemnor
placed reliance on the judgment in S.P. Sawhney's case (supra). Having
abused the process of this court, as already noticed; and after taking full
B advantage of the indulgence shown by the court and receiving Rs. 30,QOO
from the Union of India, the contemnor appears to think that he can still
get away by submitting that since in S.P. Sawhney's case even after it had
been found that S.P. Sawhney had cast aspersions on the court amounting ·
to its contempt, thereby justifying initiation of contempt of court proceed-
c ings this court considering the advanced age and physical condition of the
contemnor as well as his obsessions with his claim dropped the <?Ontempt
proceedings and did not proceed further. The facts are entirely different
in. this case and this is not a case where soft justice is called for. The
contemnor herein was apprised of the seriousness of the allegations on
D occasions more than one. He was given number of opportunities to express
his regret and remorse; Even a senior advocate Mr. G.B. Pai was requested
by the court to act as amicus curiae to assist the contemn or. The contemn or .
chose not to express any sincere and voluntary regret. He aggravated his
offence by circulating the 'note for directions' which has the effect of
nullifying the apology already tendered besides not recognising the position
E of Mr. G.B. Pai, Advocate as amicus curiae. Even in the note for directions •,
the contemnor has persisted in making unwarranted aspersions against this
court. The contcmnor before us is neither of advanced age nor did we find
anything Wrong with his physical condition unlike the facts noticed in
Sawhney's case (supra). On the other hand we. are satisfied, hav~ng regard
F to the facts and circumstances of the case, that he has been deliberately, /

consistently, persistently and repeatedly making statements which are dis- '
paraging in character and derogatory to the dignity of this court. His
attitude iS defiant. He has while trying to browbeat the court also attempted
to scandalise it in relatiqn to judicial matters. It is not a case in which the ·
procedure adopted in Sawhney's case (supra) is required to be followed.
G '
The aspersions and allegations .made by the contemnor in the offend-
ing documents, including the 'note for directions' und6ubtedly have the
effect of scandalising the Court in relation ·to its judicial functioning and
undermining its dignity. They are an affront to .the majesty of law. He has
H permitted himself the liberty of casting aspersions, wholly unjustified and
IN RE: ROSHAN LALAHUJA[ANAND,J.J 273

:uncalled for, on the integrity and fairness of the Judges of this Court in the A
·:discharge of their judicial functions. He has, thereby, attempted to interfere
with the administration of justice. The contemnor appears to be addicted
to using contemptuous language so as to browbeat the court. We find, in
,the facts and circumstances of the case, the contemnor guilty of having
:committed a gross criminal contempt of this court.
B
If a person committing such gross contempt of court were to get the
·:impression that he will get off lightly it would be a most unfortunate state
'of affair.s. Sympathy in such a case would be totally misplaced - mercy has
mo meaning. His action calls for deterrent punishment so that it also serves
:'.as an example to others and there is no repetition of such a contempt by C
:·any other person.

While orders were reserved, after hearing the parties in this con-
:tempt petition, the contemnor has addressed another communication dated
'18.11.1992 alongwith an annexure titled "honesty is the worst policy" dated D
18.2.1989. We have carefully gone through the contents and the tenor of
,;the communication dated 18.11.1992 and find that it is no way different
than the earlier representation and the memorandum of writ petition or
;. the note for directions. The communication is consistent with the persistent
;defiant attitude of the contemnor. The use of the expressions in this
, communication like "Our courts only prefer and relies to here the Advo- E
•cates, the businessmen in the courts who made the courts defunct in this
:case of the petitioner ......... When the Hon'ble Judges closed their eyes and
:ears than what this small petitioner-in-person an ordinary powerless citizen
:can do except to write and cry for justice" ..... " are in tune with the earlier
;contemptuous writings of the contemnor. We need not reproduce other F
, expressions, which are equally objectionabl~ and couched in intemperate
<language. We are satisfied that the criticism by the contemnor in this latest
; communication also is motivated and a calculated attempt to bring down
: the image of the judiciary in the estimation of the public and it also tends
'.to bring the administration of justice into disrepute. The said communica-
•tion merits no further discussion as instead of providing any extenuating G
·. circumstance, it bristles with the defiant and objectionable attitude of the
-t'
•contemnor aimed at browbeating the courts.
...
llt

: We, accordingly, having found the contemnor guilty of having com-
; mitted gross criminal contempt of this court, sentenced him to suffer simple H
274 SUPREME CCJURT REPORTS [1992] SUPP. 3 S.C.R.

.A imprisonment for a period of four months and to pay a fine of Rs.1000
(one thousand). In case of default in the payment of fine, he shall further
undergo simple imprisonment for a period of 15 days.

G.N . Petition dismissed.

.•

..
...