The Supreme Court, in 𝐁𝐀𝐋𝐀𝐆 𝐕. 𝐒𝐄𝐍𝐀𝐓𝐄, 𝐆.𝐑. 𝐍𝐨. 𝟐𝟑𝟒𝟔𝟎𝟖, 𝐉𝐮𝐥𝐲 𝟎𝟑, 𝟐𝟎𝟏𝟖, instructs:

“Accordingly, as long as there is a legitimate legislative inquiry, then the inherent power of contempt by the Senate may be properly exercised. Conversely, once the said legislative inquiry concludes, the exercise of the inherent power of contempt ceases and there is no more genuine necessity to penalize the detained witness,” the Court declared unanimously.

The SC pointed out that legislative inquiry in aid of legislation terminates upon the approval or disapproval of the Committee Report and/or upon the term expiration of one Congress.