Judiciary – Delhi High Court Seeks Replies From AAP Leaders in Contempt Matter
Judiciary – The Delhi High Court on Tuesday moved forward with criminal contempt proceedings against several senior leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party over social media remarks linked to Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma.
The court issued notices to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Durgesh Pathak and other party members in connection with allegedly defamatory social media content directed at Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma.
Court Grants Four Weeks for Response
A division bench directed all individuals named in the case to submit their replies within four weeks from the date they receive the official notice. The matter has now been scheduled for further hearing on August 4.
The contempt proceedings were initiated suo motu by Justice Sharma earlier this month after the circulation of several social media posts allegedly targeting her in relation to the Delhi excise policy case. According to the court, the online statements appeared to question the integrity of judicial proceedings and attempted to influence public perception regarding the matter.
Justice Sharma Raises Concern Over Online Campaign
In her earlier observations, Justice Sharma stated that instead of relying solely on available legal remedies, a “calculated campaign” had allegedly been carried out against her through digital platforms. She also informed that the petition filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation challenging the discharge of the accused in the excise policy case would now be heard by another bench.
The judge additionally referred to video clips and extracts from courtroom proceedings that were widely circulated online. The court noted that such material was allegedly being used to build what it described as a “parallel narrative” surrounding the case.
Justice Sharma remarked that maintaining silence in such circumstances should not be interpreted as judicial restraint if it allows attempts to undermine the institution of the judiciary. The observations formed part of the order initiating criminal contempt proceedings against the political leaders.
Background of the Excise Policy Case
The developments are connected to the ongoing legal dispute related to the Delhi liquor policy case. On February 27, a trial court discharged Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and several others from the matter, stating that the prosecution’s case could not withstand judicial examination.
The trial court had observed that the allegations and material presented were insufficient to sustain criminal proceedings. Following that decision, the CBI challenged the discharge order before the Delhi High Court.
Recusal Request and Subsequent Letter
During the proceedings before the High Court, the AAP leaders had sought Justice Sharma’s recusal from hearing the matter. However, on April 20, the court dismissed those requests.
After the rejection of the recusal plea, Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Durgesh Pathak addressed a letter to Justice Sharma. In the communication, they stated that they would neither appear personally before the court nor participate through legal counsel. The leaders also mentioned that they intended to follow the principles of “Satyagraha” associated with Mahatma Gandhi.
The contempt matter is now expected to draw significant legal and political attention as the High Court examines the allegations related to social media conduct and judicial criticism.