STATE OF RAJASTHAN Vs. MANOHAR GHOGHAD

JUDGEMENT

(1.) THIS is an application filed by Ram Prasad Joshi, Sub -Divisional Magistrate and Assistant Collector, Bhinmal, District Jalore, under Section 15(2) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 (hereinafter referred to as the Act') for taking such action as this Court thinks fit in the circuit)stances of the case against the non -petitioners Nos. 1 to 10.

(2.) IT is stated in the application for contempt of court that the non -petitioners Nos. 1 to 9, who were editors, publishers and printers of a weekly news paper known as 'Garib Sathi', have published in the issues of the said news paper dated 1st April, 1974 and 15th July, 1974, certain news items at the instance of the non -petitioner No. 10, which are set out in detail in the body of the application and which tended to substantial interference with the due course of justice and were calculated to scandalize or lower down the authority of the court of the Sub Divisional Magistrate, Bhinmal by making false and baseless accusation of bribery, corruption etc. against the petitioner, who was the presiding officer of the aforesaid court at that time.

(3.) THE application for taking up proceedings for contempt of court was put up before the then Chief Justice Hon'ble B.P. Beri of this Court on 5.10.74, who called for the opinion of the Government Advocate and upon receipt thereof passed the following orders in chambers on 25.9.75: Opinion of the Govt. Advocate has been received. Issue notice to the respondents Exit g a date of hearing. Notice may also be given to the Govt. Advocate. The case may be listed for hearing before D.B. II.