Supreme Court Issues Contempt Show‑Cause Notice

Authority: Supreme Court of India

Order Date: 21‑Oct‑2026 (date of digital signature)

Case Overview

• Petitioner: Bar Council of India, represented by Ms. Radhika Gautam (Advocate‑On‑Record).
• Respondents: State of Madhya Pradesh & others, including respondent No. 4 (identified in the counter‑affidavit), represented by Mr. Jugul Kishor Gupta (AOR) and a team of advocates.
• Nature of Proceeding: Writ Petition (Criminal) No. 157/2026 seeking exemption from filing O.T.; the Court examined alleged contempt matters.
• Key Allegations: Respondent No. 4’s conduct, as set out in its counter‑affidavit, was alleged to fall within the ambit of contempt of court under Section 2(c) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
• Court’s Observations: The Court, after hearing counsel, held prima facie that the matter warrants proceeding under the said contempt provision.

Order Details

1. The Court is prima facie satisfied that the matter must be proceeded under Section 2(c) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.

2. A show‑cause notice is to be issued to respondent No. 4, asking why appropriate contempt action should not be taken.

3. Mr. Jugul Kishor Gupta, AOR, accepted the notice on behalf of respondent No. 4; any reply to the notice may be filed in the interim.

4. The matter is posted for further hearing on 30‑Nov‑2026.

Final Outcome

• The Supreme Court directed issuance of a show‑cause notice under contempt provisions to respondent No. 4, with acceptance of the notice by the respondent’s AOR, and scheduled the next hearing for 30‑Nov‑2026.

Topics: Contempt of Court, Bar Council of India, Supreme Court Proceedings