The Delhi High Court announced it would start contempt proceedings due to the circulation of “extremely vilifying and defamatory” content against Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma. This relates to the excise policy case involving AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and others. Justice Sharma expressed concern over the malicious material during a hearing on a petition filed by the CBI challenging the discharge of all 23 accused, including Kejriwal and Sisodia.
Justice Sharma mentioned in court that contempt action would be considered against those responsible for spreading the defamatory material on social media. The judge emphasized the seriousness of the issue and stated that a detailed order on the matter would be issued at 5 P.M. The Delhi High Court had previously indicated its intention to appoint senior advocates as amici curiae for the AAP leaders who had chosen not to participate in the proceedings.
The AAP leaders had decided to abstain from the proceedings after their recusal plea was rejected by Justice Sharma. The trial court had discharged all accused individuals, citing a consultative and deliberative process behind the excise policy. The CBI, in its revision petition, alleged that the policy had been manipulated to benefit specific liquor traders in exchange for kickbacks. Justice Sharma had issued notice to the respondents on the CBI’s plea challenging the discharge order.
