Contempt proceedings can be initiated either by filing an application or by the court itself suo moto. In both the cases, contempt proceedings must be initiated within one year from the date on which contempt is alleged to have been committed.
As per Section 12 (1) of the Act, a contemnor can be punished with imprisonment which may extend to six months or a fine which may extend to Rs. 2000 or both. The punishment awarded to the contemnor can be remitted if he/ she makes an apology which is further required to be accepted by the Court
Contempt of court is an act of disrespect or disobedience toward a court or interference with its orderly process. Examples include disrupting court proceedings, interfering with attempts to obtain evidence, destroying evidence, disobeying a court order, and intimidating witnesses.