The remarks came during proceedings in the excise policy case, where the bench has been hearing challenges and related applications involving multiple accused.
AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal (Image: PTI/File)
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court on Thursday said she would initiate contempt proceedings against AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal and other senior leaders of his party over allegedly defamatory and contemptuous social media posts targeting her and the court in connection with the excise policy case.
“Extremely vilifying, extremely contemptuous, and defamatory material is being posted by some of the respondents against me and against this court,” the judge remarked.
The remarks came during proceedings in the excise policy case, where the bench has been hearing challenges and related applications involving multiple accused, including former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others.
The judge noted that the posts and circulating material had gone beyond permissible criticism and appeared to be part of a broader attempt to undermine the authority of the court.
“I won’t be scared of a political campaign against me,” Justice Sharma said, while noting that the law of contempt protects not just an individual judge but the institution of the judiciary as a whole.
The court observed that “contemnors have proceeded on the wrong assumption that their material can be clothed in the garb of public opinion”, adding that judges must not capitulate before pressure or political power.
“When the institution is at stake, the court has to choose courage over convenience. This court has decided not to choose convenience over courage,” the judge said.
The observations came during proceedings connected to the CBI’s challenge in the Delhi excise policy case, where several accused, including Kejriwal, had earlier questioned the judge’s neutrality and sought her recusal over alleged bias.
The judge had earlier dismissed the recusal applications, stating that unfounded apprehensions of bias cannot be a ground for judges to withdraw from cases. Following that order, some of the accused had reportedly chosen not to appear before the court, while also engaging in public commentary and political messaging.
The High Court is expected to pronounce further orders on the contempt action after hearing additional submissions in the case.
(With inputs from agencies)
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