HC exempts Arundhati from appearance in contempt case

The Nagpur Bench of the Bombay high court on Monday exempted writer-activist Arundhati Roy from personal appearance in the contempt of court proceedings against her. Roy was present in the court during the hearing. The judges adjourned the hearing for four weeks as the matter is also before the Supreme Court.

The Bench of Justices Bhushan Gavai and PN Deshmukh said prima facie it did not agree with the contention of her lawyer that it was improper for the court to take suo moto (on its own) notice of the contempt case over an article penned by her. Roy’s lawyer KH Deshpande said a single judge cannot initiate contempt proceedings and it should have been referred to the Bench headed by the Chief Justice. He added the opinion of the Advocate General was not sought, as is the procedure while initiating contempt proceedings. But as the court was not inclined to agree, Deshpande stated that the apex court was also seized of the matter and the hearing may be adjourned. The court granted Roy exemption from personal appearance following her undertaking that she will appear when required.