Contempts not punishable in certain cases

Q: When did Section 13 of the Contempt of Courts Act come into force?

Section 13 of the Contempt of Courts Act, cited as Contempt Courts Act 1971 13, came into force on 24 Dec 1971, having been enacted on 24 Dec 1971. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

In force From 24 Dec 1971 Act 70 of 1971 As on 15 Oct 2026

Act 70 of 1971 Ministry Law and Justice Enacted 24 Dec 1971 In force 24 Dec 1971

Section 13 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 deals with 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 cour The Act came into force on 24 Dec 1971.

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.]
Section 13, The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 (Act 70 of 1971).

Questions about Section 13

What does Section 13 of the Contempt of Courts Act deal with?

Section 13 of the Contempt of Courts Act is headed "Contempts not punishable in certain cases". [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 te

How do I find court cases under Section 13 of the Contempt of Courts Act?

In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Contempt Courts Act 1971 13, section 13 Contempt Courts Act 1971, section 13 of the Contempt of Courts Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.

When did Section 13 of the Contempt of Courts Act come into force?

Section 13 of the Contempt of Courts Act, cited as Contempt Courts Act 1971 13, came into force on 24 Dec 1971, having been enacted on 24 Dec 1971. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.

Other sections of this Act

Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 15 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.