Banerjee, J. - (1.) The introduction of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971 in the statute book has been for purposes of securing a feeling of confidence of the people in general for due and proper administration of justice in the country. It is a powerful weapon in the hands of the law Courts by reason wherefor it must thus be exercised with due care and caution and for larger interest.
(2.) Incidentally, a special leave petition (1416/1997) was filed before this Court by Paschim Banga Rajya Bhumijibi Sangh against the judgment of the Calcutta High Court pertaining to the question of constitutionality of certain provisions of West Bengal Land Reforms Amendment Acts 1981 and 1986. The said Sangha filed an Interlocutory Application being I.A. No. 3 of 1999 for issuance of certain directions which inter alia reads as below: "(a) direct the State of West Bengal and its Revenue Authorities not to initiate any proceedings for vesting of the land against the members of the Petitioner Sangha and if any vesting proceeding has been already initiated against the members of the Petitioner Sangha in that event not to pass any order and maintain status-quo in respect of the land in question in all respect till the disposal of the Special Leave Petition (Civil) No. 1416 of 1997 pending before this Hon'ble Court or in alternative clarify that the order dated 20-3-1998 as quoted in paragraph 19-20 will apply only to the parties thereto and not to the members of the Petitioner No. 1 Sangha."
(3.) The Interlocutory Application was heard on 29th October, 1999 and this Court was pleased to pass an order therein to the following effect: "At the request of learned counsel for the Applicants four weeks' time is granted to enable him to put on record appropriate information regarding members of the Sangha for whom the application is moved and the nature of the stay required. In the meantime learned counsel for the Respondent will also take appropriate instruction in connection with this I.A.;