Explanation:

The Rajasthan High Court has dismissed the plea of a trial court's woman judge, seeking the initiation of contempt proceeding against an advocate.

The woman judge’s plea for the initiation of contempt proceeding was over the advocate’s resentment in a Facebook post that he was left chasing dates but got no justice from her court.

A bench of Chief Justice Akil Kureshi and Justice Rekha Borana dismissed the Pali ACJM's plea.

The bench reiterated the statutory provision that mere criticism of a judicial order or delay in its delivery without imputing any motive to the judge does not constitute an act of contempt against the court.

Contempt of court is the power of the court to protect its own majesty and respect.

The power is regulated by but not restricted in the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 defines both civil and criminal contempt.

Civil contempt refers to wilful disobedience to any judgment of the court.

Criminal contempt can be invoked if an act:

Tends to scandalise or lower the authority of the court.

Tends to interfere with the due course of any judicial proceeding.

Obstruct the administration of justice.