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Delhi High Court launches criminal contempt over AAP posts targeting judge in excise case

Politics
Published on 14 May 2026
Delhi High Court launches criminal contempt over AAP posts targeting judge in excise case

Judge claims Kejriwal ran a campaign to destroy her reputation

Delhi High Court judge Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma has initiated criminal contempt proceedings against Aam Aadmi Party leaders, alleging their social media posts “vilified” her in connection with the excise policy case. The judge said Arvind Kejriwal orchestrated a “calculated campaign” instead of pursuing legal remedies, warning that attempts to undermine court authority can’t hide behind free speech. Sharma also clarified she isn’t recusing herself; she will transfer the case, and the CBI’s discharge petition will be heard by another bench.

  • Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma initiated criminal contempt proceedings
  • AAP leaders named include Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia
  • Allegations center on “vilifying” social media posts about the judge
  • Judge cited an allegedly misleading edited Varanasi speech video
  • She said Kejriwal orchestrated a campaign instead of legal remedies
  • Excise policy case will be heard by another bench
Read the full story at The Economic Times

This summarization was done by Beige for a story published on The Economic TimesThe Economic Times

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