📜 Article 215 of the Indian Constitution
Title: High Courts to be courts of record
🔹 Text Summary:
Article 215 declares that every High Court in India shall be a Court of Record, which means it has the power to punish for contempt of itself and its judgments have evidentiary value.
📌 Full Provision:
“Every High Court shall be a court of record and shall have all the powers of such a court including the power to punish for contempt of itself.”
🧠 Key Takeaways:
| 🔑 Feature | ✅ Explanation |
|---|---|
| Court of Record | A court whose acts and proceedings are recorded for permanent evidence and reference. |
| Binding Judgments | Judgments of High Courts are considered precedents within their jurisdictions. |
| Power to Punish for Contempt | High Courts can initiate contempt proceedings to preserve the dignity of the judiciary. |
📌 Meaning of Contempt of Court:
There are two types:
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Civil Contempt – Disobedience of court orders or judgments.
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Criminal Contempt – Scandalizing the court or lowering its authority.
🔒 The power to punish for contempt is essential for upholding the authority and independence of the judiciary.
⚖️ Related Articles & Laws:
| Article / Law | Subject |
|---|---|
| Article 215 | High Courts as Courts of Record |
| Article 129 | Supreme Court as Court of Record |
| Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 | Defines and regulates contempt powers |
🏛️ Example:
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If a person openly insults a judge or refuses to comply with a High Court’s ruling, the High Court can punish that person for contempt under Article 215.
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