The Delhi High Court has held that the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), which adjudicates service matters, can exercise the same jurisdiction and powers, as a High Court, in respect of its contempt proceedings.
A Bench of Justice Manmohan and Justice Sangita Dhingra Sehgal noted that the Supreme Court in its 2001 judgment has held that Section 17 of the Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985, confers jurisdiction on the CAT to punish for its contempt.
“The CAT has also framed the Contempt of Courts Rules, 1992, which provide the procedure for initiation of criminal contempt and suo motu contempt proceedings, respectively,” the HC noted.
The court was dealing with a contempt case registered on the basis of reference received from the Principal Registrar, CAT. The case was sought to be initiated against advocate Mehmood Pracha.
COMMents
SHARE