Contempt by judge, magistrate or other person acting judicially
Section 16 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 deals with contempt by judge, magistrate or other person acting judicially. Subject to the provisions of any law for the time being in force, a judge, magistrate or other person acting judicially shall also be liable for contempt of his own court or of any other court in the same manner as any other individual is liable and the provisions of this Act shall, so far as may be The Act came into force on 24 Dec 1971.
(1) Subject to the provisions of any law for the time being in force, a judge, magistrate or other person acting judicially shall also be liable for contempt of his own court or of any other court in the same manner as any other individual is liable and the provisions of this Act shall, so far as may be, apply accordingly.
(2) Nothing in this section shall apply to any observations or remarks made by a judge, magistrate or other person acting judicially, regarding a subordinate court in an appeal or revision pending before such judge, magistrate or other person against the order or judgment of the subordinate court.
Section 16, The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 (Act 70 of 1971).
Questions about Section 16
What does Section 16 of the Contempt of Courts Act deal with?
Section 16 of the Contempt of Courts Act is headed "Contempt by judge, magistrate or other person acting judicially". Subject to the provisions of any law for the time being in force, a judge, magistrate or other person acting judicially shall also be liable for contempt of his own court or of any other court in the same manner as any other individual is liable and the provisions of this Act shall, so far as may be
How do I find court cases under Section 16 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 16, section 16 Contempt Courts Act 1971, section 16 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 16 of the Contempt of Courts Act come into force?
Section 16 of the Contempt of Courts Act, cited as Contempt Courts Act 1971 16, 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
- 3. Innocent publication and distribution of matter not contempt482 words
- 14. Procedure where contempt is in the face of the Supreme Court or a High Court477 words
- 12. Punishment for contempt of court465 words
- 17. Procedure after cognizance278 words
- 15. Cognizance of criminal contempt in other cases257 words
- 7. Publication of information relating to proceedings in chambers or in camera not contempt except in certain cases251 words
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 16 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.