The Karnataka Land Developers ... vs The Commissioner, Bangalore ... on 11 September, 2006
14 In the famous case of R v. Metropolitan Police Commissioner [ ( 1968) 2 QB 150 : ( 1968) 2 ER 319) ], a person Criticised the Court of Appeal in an Article in a magazine. The criticism was in bad taste, wrong and based on erroneous facts. LORD DENNING observed that
Let me say at once that we will never use this jurisdiction as a means to uphold our own dignity. That must rest on surer foundations. Nor will we use it to suppress those who speak against us. We do not fear criticism, nor do we resent it. For there is something far more important at stake. It is no less than freedom of speech itself. It is the right of every man, in Parliament or out of it, in the press or over the broadcast, to make fair comment, even outspoken comment, on matters of public interest. Those who comment can deal faithfully with all that is done in a court of justice. They can say that we are mistaken, and our decision is erroneous whether they are subject to appeal or not. All we would ask is that those who criticise us will remember that from the nature of our office, we cannot reply to this criticism. We cannot enter into public controversy. Still less into political controversy. We must rely on our own conduct itself to be its own vindication.
15 There are only two issues which are material, one is the date of commission of alleged contempt and the other is the actual initiation of proceedings for contempt.