LegalProceedings – Delhi High Court Names Senior Lawyer in Contempt Matter
LegalProceedings – The Delhi High Court on Friday appointed senior advocate Rajdipa Behura as amicus curiae to assist the court in ongoing contempt proceedings involving several Aam Aadmi Party leaders, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and senior party member Manish Sisodia. The matter is connected to allegations surrounding attempts to influence judicial proceedings through online activity.
Court Appoints Experienced Senior Advocate
A division bench consisting of Justices Navin Chawla and Ravinder Dudeja selected Behura to provide independent legal assistance in the case. She has previously represented the Delhi government as additional standing counsel and also served as a special public prosecutor for the Central Bureau of Investigation. In 2024, she was elevated to the designation of senior advocate.
The court’s decision comes as the contempt proceedings continue to attract public and legal attention due to the involvement of high-profile political figures and allegations linked to social media conduct during an active court matter.
Notices Issued to Gopal Rai and Journalist
During the hearing, the bench also sent notices to AAP leader Gopal Rai and journalist Saurav Das in response to a petition seeking contempt action against them. The plea claims that the two were connected to an alleged coordinated social media campaign targeting Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma.
According to the petition, the online posts were circulated while a recusal application filed by Arvind Kejriwal in the excise policy case was awaiting consideration before the court. The petitioner argued that such posts may have attempted to create outside influence on judicial proceedings.
Earlier Proceedings in the Matter
The High Court had previously initiated contempt proceedings on its own motion after concerns were raised before Justice Sharma regarding certain online content linked to the case. Notices had already been issued earlier to Kejriwal and other individuals connected to the matter.
The bench has now scheduled the next hearing for August 4, when further arguments and responses from the parties are expected to be considered.
Petition Raises Concerns Over Judicial Pressure
The petition was filed by advocate Ashok Chaitanya, who alleged that the social media activity amounted to an effort to apply “extra-judicial pressure” on the judge. The plea stated that public commentary and digital campaigns linked to an ongoing matter could undermine confidence in the judicial system and affect the fairness of court proceedings.
The issue has once again highlighted the growing debate around the use of social media during sensitive legal cases, especially when public figures and political leaders are involved. Courts in recent years have repeatedly stressed the importance of maintaining judicial independence and preventing attempts to influence legal proceedings outside the courtroom.
Legal observers believe the case may also examine the broader question of accountability for online commentary connected to ongoing trials and court hearings. The proceedings are expected to clarify how courts view digital campaigns that may intersect with active judicial matters.
With several prominent political personalities named in the case and additional notices now issued, the matter is likely to remain under close public and legal scrutiny in the coming months.