Delhi HC Issues Notice to Kejriwal, Sisodia in Contempt Case Over Alleged Vilifying Posts Against Judge

The Delhi High Court has issued notices to former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, ex-Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and several other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders in a criminal contempt case related to alleged defamatory and “vilifying” social media posts against a sitting judge.

A division bench comprising Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Ravinder Dudeja issued the notices in connection with remarks allegedly made against Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who is hearing matters related to the Delhi excise policy case.

The court has granted four weeks to the AAP leaders to file their responses, with the next hearing scheduled for August 4, 2026. The contempt proceedings stem from allegations that online posts and campaigns attempted to scandalise the judiciary and undermine the authority of the court.

The issue arose after Justice Sharma declined to recuse herself from the excise policy case and observed that certain social media content circulating against her was “extremely vilifying and contemptuous.” She subsequently initiated contempt proceedings and transferred the main case to another bench on grounds of judicial propriety.

The division bench also noted that electronic and social media material referenced in the earlier judgment would be preserved and examined as part of the proceedings. The court is also expected to appoint an amicus curiae to assist in the matter.

The broader excise policy case involves earlier allegations related to the Delhi liquor policy, in which a trial court had discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia and others, stating that the prosecution’s case was not sustainable. However, the Central Bureau of Investigation has challenged that order, keeping the legal proceedings ongoing.

The contempt case now adds another layer to the long-running legal and political dispute surrounding the excise policy matter.A