Court objects to online narrative
The order referred to attempts to create a “parallel narrative”
The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued criminal contempt notices to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and several senior Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders over alleged “defamatory and vilifying” remarks targeting Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in connection with the excise policy case.
The notices were issued to Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Vinay Mishra and others following proceedings initiated by Justice Sharma earlier this month.
High Court seeks replies from AAP leaders
A division bench comprising Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Ravinder Dudeja issued notices to the proposed contemnors and granted them four weeks to file their responses.
The matter has now been listed for further hearing on August 4, 2026.
The bench observed that the proceedings arose “based on the judgment dated May 14 passed by the Single Judge of this Court.”
Justice Sharma initiated contempt proceedings
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma had on May 14 initiated criminal contempt proceedings against the AAP leaders over alleged social media campaigns, public remarks, edited videos and online content directed at her and the judiciary.
According to the order, the judge alleged that Kejriwal had “orchestrated a calculated campaign” to vilify her on social media instead of pursuing legal remedies through proper judicial channels.
Justice Sharma also stated that the CBI’s petition challenging the discharge of the accused in the excise policy case would now be heard by another bench.
Court objects to “edited” videos and online posts
The judge took strong exception to several social media posts that allegedly attributed political affiliations and loyalties to her.
She also referred to an allegedly misleading edited video of a speech delivered by her at an educational institution in Varanasi.
Justice Sharma further observed that clips from court proceedings had been circulated online to create a “parallel narrative”.
The order stated that “remaining silent” in such circumstances would not amount to judicial restraint but rather “a surrender before a powerful litigant.”
Excise policy case remains politically sensitive
The contempt proceedings come amid continuing political and legal battles surrounding the Delhi excise policy case, which has seen multiple AAP leaders face investigations and court scrutiny.
AAP leaders have repeatedly denied wrongdoing in the case and accused central agencies of politically motivated action.
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