IN RE: BALWAN SINGH versus NO RESPONDENT

By uttering threatening words and using his position as Sarpanch to intimidate supporters and petitioners regarding a writ petition pending before the Supreme Court, the contemner interfered with court proceedings, thereby committing criminal contempt.

Parties: Contemner: Balwan Singh; Respondent: State of Haryana; Applicant/complainant (in Context of Contempt): Mahila Dakshita Samiti (through Vinay Bhardwaj, Secretary)
Jurisdiction: India
Judgment Date: 22 November 1996
Procedural Posture: Suo Motu Criminal Contempt Petition / Final Disposition
Outcome: Contemner held guilty of criminal contempt and sentenced to fine; sentence of imprisonment imposed in default of payment; petition disposed of.
Legal Topics: Criminal Contempt, Interference With Court Proceedings, Threats to Petitioners, Writ Jurisdiction

Constitutional Law Criminal Law Contempt of Court Criminal Contempt Interference With Court Proceedings Threats to Petitioners Writ Jurisdiction

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Full judgment text Legal principles 2 Authorities cited 2 Party arguments 2 Amounts and remedies 2

Parties

Balwan Singh

Contemner

State of Haryana

Respondent

Mahila Dakshita Samiti (through Vinay Bhardwaj, Secretary)

Applicant/complainant (in Context of Contempt)

Procedural Posture

Suo Motu Criminal Contempt Petition / Final Disposition

Legal Issues

1 Whether threatening conduct by the Sarpanch towards the petitioners and supporting organisation amounts to criminal contempt of court.

Ratio Decidendi

Court Disposition

Contemner held guilty of criminal contempt and sentenced to fine; sentence of imprisonment imposed in default of payment; petition disposed of.

Orders

Contemner directed to pay a fine of Rs. 1000 within one month.
On failure to pay the fine, contemner to undergo simple imprisonment for fifteen days.