1954 (10) TMI 51 - SC - Indian Laws

Summary

Issues Involved:
1. Contempt of Court by publication.
2. Timing and place of publication.
3. Interpretation of the offending passage.
4. Impact on the administration of justice.
5. Apology and its sufficiency.
6. Punishment for contempt.

Issue-wise Detailed Analysis:

1. Contempt of Court by publication:
This case revolves around the publication of a leaflet titled "Hamara Vahan Vibhag" distributed in the Supreme Court premises. The leaflet contained a passage that implied partiality in the appointment of judges who give judgments against the government. The Court issued a rule on September 16, 1954, calling upon the respondents to show cause why they should not be proceeded against for contempt of Court.

2. Timing and place of publication:
The leaflet was distributed on September 15, 1954, during the hearing of appeals and writ petitions related to the nationalization of road transport services in Uttar Pradesh. The timing and place of publication were significant as the leaflet was circulated in the Court premises while the appeals were being heard, suggesting an attempt to influence the Court's decision.

3. Interpretation of the offending passage:
The passage in question stated, "The public has full and firm faith in the Supreme Court, but sources that are in the know say that the Government acts with partiality in the matter of appointment of those Hon'ble Judges as Ambassadors, Governors, High Commissioners, etc., who give judgments against Government but this has so far not made any difference in the firmness and justice of the Hon'ble Judges." The Court interpreted this passage as implying that judges who decide against the government are not rewarded with high appointments, while those who decide in favor of the government are. This insinuation was seen as an attempt to undermine the integrity of the judiciary.

4. Impact on the administration of justice:
The Court held that the leaflet's publication was intended to affect the minds of the judges and deflect them from their duties. The passage suggested that judges might be tempted to decide in favor of the government in expectation of future rewards. Such insinuations were deemed to hinder or obstruct the due administration of justice and were therefore contemptuous.

5. Apology and its sufficiency:
Two respondents, Sri Krishna Dutt Paliwal and Devendra Sharma, tendered unqualified apologies, which the Court accepted, discharging the rule against them. However, the respondent Hira Lal Dixit's apology was deemed insufficient. The Court found that his actions amounted to a gross contempt of Court, and his qualified apology did not adequately address his misconduct.

6. Punishment for contempt:
The Court emphasized that the summary jurisdiction in punishing contempt exists to prevent interference with the course of justice and maintain the authority of law. Although this power should be exercised sparingly, the Court found it necessary to impose a punishment of imprisonment in this case. The Court held Hira Lal Dixit guilty of contempt and directed that he be arrested and committed to civil prison for simple imprisonment for a fortnight. Additionally, he was ordered to pay the costs incurred by the Union of India.

Order:
The Court made the rule absolute against Hira Lal Dixit, directing his imprisonment and the payment of costs.