What happens if someone defies the Supreme Court's order?

If someone defies the Supreme Court's order in India, they can be held in contempt of court. The Contempt of Courts Act, of 1971, defines contempt of court as "the willful disobedience to any judgment, decree, direction, order, writ or other process of a court or willful breach of an undertaking given to a court."

The penalties for contempt of court in India can be severe. The Supreme Court has the power to punish for contempt by imprisonment for up to six months, with a fine of up to Rs. 2,000, or with both. In addition, the Supreme Court can also order the person who has been held in contempt to pay the legal costs of the person who brought the contempt proceeding.

In some cases, the Supreme Court may also order the person who has been held in contempt to be removed from their position of authority. For example, in 2013, the Supreme Court ordered the removal of the Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh, Akhilesh Yadav, from office for contempt of court.

It is important to note that not all disobedience to a Supreme Court order is considered contempt of court. For example, if someone simply makes a mistake and fails to comply with a court order, they are not likely to be held in contempt. However, if someone willfully disobeys a court order, they are at risk of being held in contempt.