GIRIJA S Vs. SAJAN PETER

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS appeal has been filed challenging the order dated 3rd August, 2004 passed in Cont.Case (C).No.673 of 2004. An application for initiating action under the Contempt of Courts Act was filed by the petitioners alleging that there was no compliance with the orders passed by this Court on 26.09.2003 in O.P.No.24064 of 2002. The learned Single Judge observed that the steps taken by the respondents had already been accepted as compliance with the orders. In view of the orders passed by the Government, leaving liberty to the petitioners to challenge Annexure-6, as might be admissible, the contempt case was dismissed. We are of the view that no appeal under Section 19 of the Contempt of Courts Act shall be competent against the impugned order. An appeal shall lie as of right from any order or decision of the High Court in exercise of its jurisdiction to punish for contempt (emphasis supplied). 'Punish for contempt' has been held by the Supreme Court to be an order holding a person guilty of contempt and punishing him. The appeal is dismissed as being not maintainable.