Bombay High Court issues contempt notice to CINTAA

The Bombay High Court has issued a show cause notice to the Cine and Television Artistes Association (CINTAA) regarding its decision to conduct and announce election results on October 20, 2026, despite existing judicial directions.

Justice Aarti Sathe noted that evidence presented established a prima facie case of willful disobedience and a breach of undertaking. The court has restrained CINTAA from implementing or acting upon the election outcomes until further orders.

The legal challenge follows a contempt petition filed by the Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE), which alleges that CINTAA disregarded court orders issued on September 11 and October 19. These previous directives required parties to refrain from actions that could impact ongoing proceedings while a Notice of Motion was pending.

CINTAA has been asked to explain why proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971, should not be formally initiated. The High Court is scheduled to hear the matter again on November 18, 2026.