‘Orchestrated Campaign of Vilification’: Delhi HC Judge Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma Slams Arvind Kejriwal and AAP With Contempt Action; Recuses From Hearing Excise Policy Case

In a significant development in the Delhi excise policy case, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court on Thursday initiated criminal contempt proceedings against Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal and several other party leaders. Following the initiation of these proceedings, the judge referred the main case to the Chief Justice for transfer to another bench, citing legal protocols that prevent a judge from hearing a primary matter after initiating contempt action against the parties involved.

The court’s decision follows what Justice Sharma described as a "calculated campaign of vilification" orchestrated by the former Delhi Chief Minister and his associates. The contempt action targets Kejriwal alongside senior leaders Manish Sisodia, Sanjay Singh, Durgesh Pathak, Vinay Mishra, and Saurabh Bharadwaj. The allegations involve the use of social media campaigns, public statements, and selectively edited videos intended to target the judiciary and undermine its authority. Kejriwal Writes to Delhi HC Judge, Declines to Participate Further in Excise Policy Case Proceedings.

During the proceedings, Justice Sharma observed that the conduct of the AAP leaders appeared to fall within the ambit of criminal contempt under Section 2(c) of the Contempt of Courts Act. She noted that instead of challenging judicial orders through proper legal channels like the Supreme Court, the respondents allegedly "dragged the order to social media" to ridicule the court. "If such conduct is left unchecked and judges are threatened, justice will become a casualty," the judge remarked.

The controversy stems from recent events where AAP leaders reportedly circulated videos and letters questioning the impartiality of the court. Justice Sharma highlighted that her selective speeches from external events were edited and shared with "malicious intent" to portray a specific ideological alignment. She emphasized that while fair criticism of a judgment is permissible, the current actions amounted to an attempt to intimidate the institution.

While the judge had previously rejected a formal plea for her recusal from the excise policy case, she clarified that the current transfer is a procedural necessity. "As per law, the judge who draws contempt proceedings cannot hear the main case," she stated, adding that her decision was not born out of "anger or ill will" but was a measure to protect the integrity of the constitutional process. Who Is Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma? Delhi High Court Judge at Centre of Row With Arvind Kejriwal.

The excise policy case, which involves allegations of corruption and money laundering in the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy, will now be placed before the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court to be assigned to a new bench. Meanwhile, the criminal contempt proceedings will move forward independently against the named AAP leaders.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 14, 2026 09:08 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).