Contempt proceedings to secure respect for judiciary: SC

The power to punish for contempt is necessary to secure public respect and confidence in the judicial process but it should be used with greater responsibility, the Supreme Court has said.

While quashing a High Court order, a bench of justices H L Dattu and C K Prasad, observed that fair comments on legal issues do not amount to contempt.
"In our opinion, it is criminal contempt to voice opinion on a case pending in court as that would seem to influence the outcome of the matter and to prejudice the parties therein".
"However, we hasten to add that fair reporting of court proceedings and fair comments on the legal issues do not amount to contempt."