Delhi High Court Demands Responses from AAP Leaders in Contempt Case Over Alleged Defamation of Judge

The Delhi High Court has called for responses from key leaders of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, as part of criminal contempt proceedings for purportedly defaming Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma via social media. This legal action is linked to the ongoing controversy surrounding the liquor policy case, which has garnered significant public attention.

A bench comprising Justices Navin Chawla and Ravinder Dudeja instructed the involved parties to provide their replies within a four-week timeframe. Furthermore, the court has ordered its registry to maintain copies of the alleged derogatory comments that prompted this contempt action. This decision marks a critical juncture in the ongoing legal battles involving AAP leaders, who have faced scrutiny for their conduct during the proceedings.

The contempt proceedings were initiated by Justice Sharma on May 14, following claims that Kejriwal, Sisodia, and fellow AAP leader Durgesh Pathak had engaged in defamatory actions against her. In a notable move, the judge had recused herself from the case, citing concerns that continuing to preside over the matter could lead to perceptions of bias against Kejriwal and his associates. She stated, “It could be that if I keep hearing this case, Arvind Kejriwal and other people might think that I have a grudge against him.” Consequently, the case has been reassigned to a different bench for further consideration.

This latest development follows an earlier boycott by Kejriwal, Sisodia, and Pathak of court proceedings in April in response to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) petition challenging a trial court’s ruling that had cleared them of charges related to the liquor policy. The implications of these proceedings extend beyond the individuals involved, as they reflect the tense relationship between political leaders and the judiciary, particularly in high-stakes cases that attract public and media scrutiny.

The situation is emblematic of the broader challenges faced by political figures navigating contentious legal landscapes. As the AAP prepares to respond to the court’s summons, the outcome of this contempt case could significantly impact the party’s image and its ongoing political narrative in Delhi and beyond.

Source: scroll.in