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Expert Lecture on Contempt in Contemporary Era

An Expert lecture on the topic “Contempt in Contemporary Era” was organized for the Second semester students of the Institute on 25th April 2025. The session was delivered by Shri Hriday Buch, a distinguished Advocate at the Gujarat High Court. Advocate Buch is renowned for his expertise in constitutional, civil, and criminal law and with a wealth of experience in high-profile cases and a deep understanding of contemporary legal issues he provided invaluable insights into the subject. The lecture began with a detailed historical overview of the concept of contempt, tracing its evolution from early judicial practices in the Sabha system to the modern-day legal framework under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. Shri Buch outlined how the enactment of this statute aimed to protect the dignity of the judiciary while balancing the need for free expression in a democratic society. He emphasized that contempt is not merely about what is said but the intent and context behind the speech, and how it affects the credibility of the judiciary. Shri Buch thoroughly explained the statutory provisions that empower the Supreme Court and High Courts to punish for their own contempt under Articles 129, 142, and 215 of the Constitution. He also explored the three essential ingredients of contempt, elaborating on what constitutes both civil and criminal contempt under the 1971 Act. The breakdown of these technical concepts was particularly helpful in making complex legal ideas accessible and engaging for the students.