The Registrar General vs R.M.Subramanian on 14 June, 2013
69.It is to be noted that the entire aim of prescribing procedures of taking cognizance under Section 15 of the Contempt of Courts Act is mainly to save the precious time of High Court from being wasted by untenable and frivolous complaints. If the Hon'ble High Court is prima facie satisfied that the information received by it regarding commission of a Contempt of Subordinate Court is not frivolous and the contempt lodged is not either technical or a small one, in its discretion, act suo motu and commence the proceedings against the contemner. But this method of suo motu cognizance of contempt of a subordinate court ought to be resorted to sparingly and only where the contempt concerned is of a serious nature. The High Court is not compelled or bound to proceed against a contemnor just for the sake of reference from a subordinate court. It may reject or discharge the reference, if, in its view it is based on allegations which are totally devoid of substance, as per the decision XXV Additional Sessions Judge, Bangalore V. Ningegowda, [1997 Cri LJ 3873 (Karn DB)].