In a significant judgment, the Bombay High Court ruled that personal accusations of bribery against a judge do not constitute criminal contempt under the Contempt of Courts Act. The decision, delivered by Justices Bharati Dangre and Manjusha Deshpande, emphasizes that such remarks, while improper, neither disrupt judicial administration nor diminish the court’s authority.
The case stemmed from allegations made by litigant Manubhai Hargovandas Patel during a prolonged money recovery lawsuit in a Thane court. Frustrated with delays, Patel openly accused a judge of soliciting illegal gratification, repeating the claim in subsequent filings. The judicial officer viewed these statements as scandalous attempts to coerce favorable rulings and referred the matter to the High Court for contempt proceedings.
Despite acknowledging the inappropriate nature of Patel’s remarks, the High Court determined they were born of frustration rather than a deliberate effort to undermine justice. “These personal remarks, although unwarranted, do not rise to the level of criminal contempt, as they neither obstruct justice nor lower the court’s standing,” the Bench stated.
This decision underscores the court’s nuanced stance on distinguishing between expressions of personal grievance and acts of contempt that genuinely threaten judicial integrity.