Judiciary – Delhi High Court Judge Steps Aside From PIL Over Video Sharing Row
Judiciary – A judge of the Delhi High Court on Wednesday chose not to hear a public interest litigation that called for contempt action against several political leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, over the alleged circulation of court hearing clips on social media.
Bench Declines to Proceed With Hearing
The petition was placed before a division bench headed by Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya along with Justice Tejas Karia. During the proceedings, Justice Karia recused himself from the matter without going into the merits of the case. The bench directed that the petition be listed before a different bench the following day, making it clear that the matter would proceed without Justice Karia’s involvement.
The court stated that the case would be reassigned to ensure impartial consideration, following established judicial practice when a judge opts out of a hearing.
Petition Raises Concerns Over Court Recordings
The plea, filed by advocate Vaibhav Singh, alleges that video clips from a previous court hearing involving Kejriwal were recorded and widely shared online without authorisation. According to the petitioner, such actions violate court rules and could potentially harm the credibility and independence of the judiciary.
The petition also names several other parties, including the High Court administration and major technology platforms such as Meta, X, and Google, as respondents. It seeks directions for removing the alleged content from digital platforms.
Background of the Controversy
The issue stems from a hearing held on April 13, 2026, when Kejriwal appeared before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in connection with a case linked to the Delhi excise policy. The petition claims that segments of the hearing were intentionally recorded and later circulated on social media.
According to the petitioner, this act was not accidental but part of a deliberate attempt to influence public perception of the court. The plea further alleges that certain political leaders and individuals knowingly shared the footage, thereby contributing to its widespread dissemination.
Demand for Investigation and Action
The PIL calls for the formation of a Special Investigation Team to examine how the recordings were made and shared. It also seeks initiation of contempt proceedings against all individuals who allegedly uploaded, reposted, or forwarded the clips.
In addition, the petitioner has requested immediate removal of the disputed content from online platforms, arguing that such material should not remain accessible if it violates court guidelines.
Earlier, on April 15, a formal complaint regarding the alleged unauthorised recording was submitted to the Registrar General of the High Court, raising concerns over potential breaches of courtroom protocol.
Previous Developments in Related Case
The controversy is linked to ongoing proceedings in the excise policy case. Earlier this week, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma declined a request to step aside from hearing the matter. The judge observed that recusal cannot be granted solely on the basis of unsubstantiated apprehensions raised by a litigant.
The court emphasised that allowing such requests without concrete grounds could undermine judicial functioning and set an unhealthy precedent.
Next Steps in the Case
With Justice Karia stepping aside, the PIL is expected to be heard by a newly constituted bench. The outcome of the case could have broader implications for how court proceedings are recorded and shared, especially in an era where digital platforms play a central role in information dissemination.
The matter highlights ongoing concerns around balancing transparency with the need to protect the sanctity of judicial processes.