Section 22 of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971: Act in Addition to Other Contempt Laws
Section 22 is a saving provision in the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. It makes clear that the Act operates in addition to, and not in derogation of, other laws relating to contempt of courts.
What does Section 22 provide?
The heading of Section 22 is "Act to be in addition to, and not in derogation of, other laws relating to contempt." The provision preserves the operation of other laws relating to contempt instead of treating the 1971 Act as an exclusive code that automatically displaces them.
The provisions of this Act shall be in addition to, and not in derogation of the provisions of any other law relating to contempt of courts.
Meaning of "in addition to" and "not in derogation of"
In addition to means that the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 supplements other applicable legal provisions concerning contempt. Not in derogation of means that the Act is not intended, merely by its operation, to take away or diminish the effect of another law relating to contempt.
Accordingly, Section 22 should be read as a saving clause. When a contempt issue arises, the 1971 Act remains central, but other legally applicable sources concerning contempt are not excluded merely because the Act exists.
Context within the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971
The Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 is Act No. 70 of 1971. Its stated object is to define and limit the powers of certain courts in punishing contempt and to regulate procedure in relation to contempt. Section 2 defines "contempt of court" as civil contempt or criminal contempt and separately defines those expressions.
Section 22 appears among the concluding provisions of the Act. It follows Section 21, concerning Nyaya Panchayats or other village courts, and precedes Section 23, which concerns the rule-making power of the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Practical significance of Section 22
Section 22 helps prevent an interpretation that the 1971 Act, simply because it regulates contempt, necessarily overrides every other legal provision relating to contempt. The effect of any other law in a particular proceeding must still be determined from the text, scope and legal status of the relevant provisions.
Official text of the Act
The current central Act can be checked on the official India Code portal. For legal proceedings, always verify the current statutory text, applicable rules and binding judicial decisions.
Updated: 20 September 2026. This page is intended as general legal information and should be read with the current statutory text and applicable case law.