Authority: Supreme Court of India (Inherent Jurisdiction)

Order Date: 25 August 2026

Case Overview

  • Parties: M S Shivangini Properties Pvt Ltd (Petitioner) vs. Mr M J Shantaram (Respondent/Alleged Contemnor).
  • Background: Respondent sought suspension of a sentence conditioned on a deposit of 20% of the amount in question. The High Court reduced the required deposit to 10%.
  • The petitioner appealed the High Court reduction; the Supreme Court allowed the appeal by order dated 14 May 2026, setting aside the High Court order and restoring the Appellate Court’s original requirement of a 20% deposit.
  • The Court observed that if the appellant has not yet made the requisite deposit, the Appellate Court must address the consequences.
  • The contempt petitions were deemed misconceived and therefore dismissed.
  • Any pending applications, if any, were ordered to stand disposed of.

Final Outcome

  • Contempt petitions filed by Shivangini Properties are dismissed.
  • The High Court’s reduction of the deposit requirement to 10% is set aside.
  • The Appellate Court’s order requiring a 20% deposit for suspension of sentence is restored.
  • The Appellate Court will determine any consequences if the deposit has not been made.
  • All pending applications are disposed of.

Topics: Contempt Law, Supreme Court Order