# The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, Section 13: Contempts not punishable in certain cases

- Act: The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 (Act 70 of 1971)
- In force from: 1971-12-24
- Ministry: Ministry of Law and Justice
- Source URL: https://indiacode.ecourtsindia.com/contempt-courts-act-1971/section/13/

## Text

1[13. Contempts not punishable in certain cases.—Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force,— (a) no court shall impose a sentence under this Act for a contempt of court unless it is satisfied that the contempt is of such a nature that it substantially interferes, or tends substantially to interfere with the due course of justice; (b) the court may permit, in any proceeding for contempt of court, justification by truth as a valid defence if it is satisfied that it is in public interest and the request for invoking the said defence is bona fide.]

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