Delhi HC Issues Criminal Contempt Notice to Kejriwal Over 'Defamatory' Content Against Judge; Top AAP Leaders Under Scanner

New Delhi: In a major escalation, Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court on Thursday reportedly issued a notice of criminal contempt of court against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convenor and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. According to reports, contempt action has also been initiated against AAP leaders Manish Sisodia, Durgesh Pathak, Sanjay Singh, Vinay Mishra and AAP Delhi Chief Saurabh Bharadwaj.

Justice Sharma warned that failure to take stern action in the matter could lead to “anarchy,” stressing the need to protect the dignity and authority of the judiciary.

The development came during the hearing of a CBI plea challenging the trial court’s order discharging several accused, including Kejriwal and Sisodia, in the Delhi excise policy case. The judge expressed strong displeasure after “extremely defamatory content” was allegedly circulated against her in connection with the case.

“I had made efforts, some seniors also accepted [to be amicus]. In the meantime, it has come to my notice that extremely defamatory content is posted against me by some respondents,” Justice Sharma said in open court. She added that she could not remain silent on such allegations.

She accused Arvind Kejriwal of attempting to tarnish her reputation.

“Arvind Kejriwal orchestrated a calculated campaign of vilification against me on social media,” Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said.

“He sought to destroy my reputation instead of availing legal remedies after I refused to recuse,” she said.

“Deliberate attempt to lower court's authority can't be permitted in guise of free speech,” Justice Sharma said.

The court had earlier decided to appoint amicus curiae to assist in the proceedings after certain respondents, including Kejriwal, chose not to participate.

Recusal Row and Kejriwal’s Stance

The contempt notice follows Kejriwal’s public statement earlier this week that he would neither appear personally nor through counsel before Justice Sharma, claiming his “hope of receiving justice” from the judge had been shaken. This came after the High Court rejected his plea seeking her recusal from the case.

While dismissing the recusal application, the court had observed that the allegations of bias were based on “conjecture” and did not meet the legal threshold required for a judge to step aside. The bench had also cautioned against attempts to question judicial impartiality without substantive material.

Justice Sharma is hearing the CBI’s challenge to the discharge of Kejriwal, Sisodia, and others in the excise policy scam case.

The matter is expected to be taken up again after the detailed contempt order is pronounced.