Delhi HC Judge Says ‘I Won’t Be Scared’, Starts Contempt Action Against Kejriwal

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 party leaders over.

Allegedly defamatory and contemptuous social media posts targeting her and the court in connection with the excise policy case.

During the hearing, the judge said “extremely vilifying, extremely contemptuous, and defamatory material” was being circulated online against both her and the court. She observed that the posts had crossed the limits of fair criticism and appeared aimed at undermining the judiciary’s authority.

“I won’t be scared of a political campaign against me,” Justice Sharma said, adding that contempt law exists to protect the institution of the judiciary, not just individual judges.

The court further noted that those behind the posts wrongly believed such content could be justified as public opinion. Stressing the importance of judicial independence, the judge said courts cannot yield to political pressure or public campaigns.

“When the institution is at stake, the court has to choose courage over convenience,” Justice Sharma remarked.

The observations came during proceedings related to the Delhi excise policy case, where some accused, including Kejriwal, had earlier sought the judge’s recusal alleging bias. Justice Sharma had previously rejected those pleas, saying unfounded allegations cannot become grounds for judges to step aside from cases.

Following the dismissal of the recusal applications, some accused reportedly stopped appearing before the court while continuing to make public and political remarks about the proceedings.