In a major development in the Delhi excise policy case, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court initiated criminal contempt proceedings against former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and several leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party before stepping away from hearing the main CBI appeal matter.
The contempt proceedings also name:
- Manish Sisodia
- Durgesh Pathak
- Sanjay Singh
- Saurabh Bharadwaj
and others.
Judge Says Social Media Campaign Targeted the Court
Justice Sharma stated that instead of challenging adverse judicial orders before a higher court, Kejriwal allegedly “orchestrated a calculated campaign of vilification” against her through social media.
The judge said a “parallel narrative” was being created outside the courtroom while the excise policy hearings were underway, adding that insinuations had been directed at the court by “contemnors armed with political powers.”
She also objected to social media posts that allegedly attributed political affiliations to her and circulated an “edited” video of a speech she delivered at an educational institution in Varanasi.
According to the court, the posts questioned the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary.
Justice Sharma Transfers Main Case but Retains Contempt Proceedings
Justice Sharma clarified that she was not recusing herself from the matter but was transferring the main excise policy appeal to another bench because she had initiated contempt proceedings against the respondents.
She said this step was necessary so the accused could not later argue that the proceedings were biased.
The judge remarked:
“Can’t surrender before a powerful litigant.”
She further observed that judicial silence could not permit judges to be “threatened into silence.”
The court also noted that Kejriwal could have challenged her earlier refusal to recuse herself before the Supreme Court of India but instead allegedly continued making similar allegations publicly.
Court Mentions Boycott Call and Alleged Intimidation
Justice Sharma referred to a letter posted by Kejriwal on X in which he announced a boycott of proceedings before her bench.
According to the judge, the “tone, tenor and manner” of the criticism crossed the line from fair comment into an organised campaign questioning the authority of the court.
The judge additionally alleged that selectively edited videos and letters were circulated in an attempt to intimidate the judiciary and drag her family members into controversy.
A detailed written order is awaited.
Kejriwal Responds on Social Media
Reacting after the court proceedings, Arvind Kejriwal welcomed the transfer of the excise policy case from Justice Sharma’s bench.
Posting on X, he wrote:
“The truth has won, Gandhiji’s Satyagraha has won.”
