The Bombay High Court has initiated contempt proceedings against police officers of Deccan Police Station, Pune, for allegedly arresting a petitioner in violation of the Court’s interim order dated March 15, 2024, which had expressly directed that no coercive action be taken against him by issuing contempt notice.

Despite being informed of the protection granted by the High Court and receiving multiple written communications from the petitioner’s counsel, police personnel proceeded to detain and arrest the petitioner from Mumbai, subjecting him to alleged mental and physical harassment. The arrest was subsequently declared prima facie illegal by the Judicial Magistrate, Pune, who also sought an explanation from the Deputy Commissioner of Police.

The petitioner has sought initiation of criminal contempt proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, against the concerned police officials for wilfully disobeying a judicial order and undermining the authority of the High Court.