Delhi High Court
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|Monday, 23 February 2026Delhi HC Upholds AFT's Contempt Powers in Union of India vs Lt Col Mukul Dev
Bench
Justice C. Hari Shankar
C. Hari Shankar
Delhi HC Upholds AFT's Contempt Powers in Union of India vs Lt Col Mukul Dev (2026) held that The AFT has the authority to punish for contempt to uphold its dignity and ensure compliance with its orders.
The case involves a writ petition filed by the Union of India challenging the interpretation of the Armed Forces Tribunal's (AFT) powers regarding contempt and implementation of its orders. The court examined whether willful disobedience of AFT orders could be classified as contempt under Section 19 of the AFT Act. The High Court upheld the AFT's authority to punish for contempt, emphasizing the need for compliance with its orders to maintain its dignity and functionality. The judgment clarifies the scope of the AFT's powers in ensuring its orders are executed.
The AFT has the authority to punish for contempt to uphold its dignity and ensure compliance with its orders.
Willful disobedience of AFT orders can be interpreted as causing interruption or disturbance in its proceedings, thus attracting contempt action under Section 19 of the AFT Act.
The powers of contempt must be exercised with caution and care, considering the specific facts and circumstances of each case.
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