The trial will centre on Thana's outburst attacking the ruling against three election commissioners for mishandling last April's ballot.

"The defendant allegedly said the guilty verdict was fixed," the prosecution writ said.

Thana said he was confident of clearing his name.

"I have been a lawyer for more than 20 years, and I should know not to cross the line in contempt of court," he said, adding that the press had distorted his remarks.