Contempt of court refers to any deliberate disobedience, disregard, or disrespect of the authority, justice, and dignity of a court. In India, contempt of court is addressed under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. This legislation provides a framework for dealing with both civil and criminal contempt. Key points regarding contempt of court in India: Civil Contempt: Civil contempt arises when an individual willfully disobeys a court order, willfully breaches an undertaking given to a court, or engages in any behavior that undermines the authority or dignity of the court. The court may take suo motu (on its own) cognizance of civil contempt or may act on a petition made by a concerned party. Criminal Contempt: Criminal contempt involves actions that scandalize or tend to scandalize, or lower or tend to lower the authority of any court, or prejudice or interfere with the due course of any judicial proceeding. Criminal contempt may also include interfering with the administration of justice. Contempt of court can be punished with simple imprisonment or with a fine or with both. Procedure: The procedure for contempt of court proceedings is outlined in the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. It provides for the initiation of contempt proceedings, the defense that may be raised, and the powers of the court to punish for contempt. It's important to note that the power to punish for contempt is not absolute, and it is exercised by the courts judiciously to ensure the administration of justice. Contempt proceedings are meant to uphold the dignity and authority of the courts, and the punishment imposed is usually proportionate to the gravity of the contemptuous act.