Bombay High Court Issues Contempt Notice to Poonam Dhillon–Padmini Kolhapure Faction
The ruling follows a contempt petition moved by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), the apex mother body representing film and television industry craft unions.
The Bombay High Court has issued contempt of court notices against the Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) faction led by veteran actresses Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure for proceeding with association elections despite explicit restrictive judicial directions.
The ruling follows a contempt petition moved by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), the apex mother body representing film and television industry craft unions.
FWICE Petitions High Court Over Flouted Directives
FWICE approached the High Court challenging the legitimacy of the CINTAA internal elections held on October 20, 2026. During the hearing, Advocate Saveena Bedi Sachar appeared on behalf of FWICE, placing on record details of the faction's non-compliance with earlier binding court directives.
Hearing the petition against the respondents, Justice Aarti Sathe observed:
"This Court is of the view that, by conducting the aforesaid elections and declaring the results on 20th October 2026, the Respondent has failed and neglected to comply with the directions contained in the orders dated 11th September 2026 and 19th October 2026."
Court Finds Prima Facie Wilful Disobedience
Taking strong exception to the breach of undertakings and previous judicial orders, the Bench held that the actions of the Dhillon–Kolhapure faction met the threshold for contempt proceedings.
Justice Sathe noted:
"Having considered the submissions advanced and upon perusal of the material placed on record, this Court is of the view that a prima facie case of wilful disobedience and breach of undertaking of the aforesaid orders has been made out."
The Court accordingly directed:
"Issue notice to the Respondents under Rule 9(1) of the Contempt of Courts (Bombay High Court Rules, 1994), calling upon them to show cause as to why appropriate action under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, should not be initiated against them for the alleged wilful disobedience of, and/or wilful breach of the undertaking given to this Court in relation to, the orders dated 11th September 2026 and 19th October 2026."
The High Court also barred the respondents from operating under the mandate of the contested poll results:
"Needless to clarify, the Respondents shall not act upon or give effect to the elections conducted by them on 20th October 2026 or to the results declared pursuant thereto."
With the election results effectively frozen, the Poonam Dhillon and Padmini Kolhapure faction cannot assume authority or implement any outcomes from the October 20 voting until they explain to the High Court why punitive action under the Contempt of Courts Act should not be taken against them.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 23, 2026 01:43 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).
