Mansi Brar vs. Mohit Singh
Background
The petitioner alleged that the respondent had disobeyed an order of 28.03.2022 directing that the status quo be maintained over properties subject to certain MoUs, in arbitration-related petitions under Section 9 of the Arbitration Act. The respondent had also undertaken, by affidavit dated 18.12.2025, to pay Rs 3.2 crore by 31.03.2026 to settle the disputes, and had not done so.
Decision Breakdown
The Court found that the subject properties had already been sold before the status quo order was passed. The respondent did not disclose this in his reply and instead relied on other grounds, and the exact position emerged only after the Court directed him to file an affidavit. The Court held that the earlier order was passed on the basis of this non-disclosure, and that he had also wilfully breached his undertaking. He was held guilty of civil contempt under Section 2(b) of the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971. The text of the judgment supplied does not show a sentence or penalty.
Lesson Learnt
Concealing material facts from a court, or giving it an incorrect assurance, can itself amount to contempt. Undertakings given to a court must be honoured.