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Contempt of courtPossibly — unconfirmed

Possibly — unconfirmed

Reported range, not yet confirmed against official text. Do not rely on this — awaiting confirmation.

Statutory range — reported, not yet confirmed

§ 12(1)–(3) — contempt of court (civil or criminal)Possibly — unconfirmed

Imprisonment: 0 (no mandatory prison) – 6 months simple imprisonment (civil contempt: detention in civil prison up to 6 months instead)
Fine: Up to ₹2,000

0 = the law sets no minimum prison term. The court is not required to impose prison. Depending on the offence, jurisdiction, and case, it may instead impose a non-custodial sentence — e.g. a suspended sentence, community order / probation, a fine, or a discharge.

No court may impose more than the § 12(1) sentence for any contempt of itself or a subordinate court.

Note on this entry

The court may discharge the accused or remit the punishment on an apology made to its satisfaction; an apology is not to be rejected merely because it is qualified or conditional if made bona fide.

Source

Statute: Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 § 12
Official source: Indian Kanoon reproduction of the Contempt of Courts Act (not India Code)
Verification status: India Code could not be read directly; figures corroborated from at least two independent reproductions of the Act text. Re-check against India Code before treating as VERIFIED.
Last verified: 2026-10-19

Not legal advice. This range is the statutory penalty as written in the law — it is not “your sentence.” What is NOT accounted for here: Priors, plea, judicial discretion; apology / remission (proviso to § 12(1)). If you face a real charge, consult a licensed lawyer in the relevant jurisdiction.