A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed in the Delhi High Court on Tuesday seeking contempt of court proceedings against Arvind Kejriwal and other Aam Aadmi Party leaders for allegedly circulating videos of courtroom proceedings involving Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma.
The PIL came a day after Justice Sharma refused to withdraw from the liquor policy case, rejecting the AAP national convenor’s allegations of bias in hearing the matter.
The PIL, filed by lawyer Vishal Singh, requested the formation of a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the matter. It sought the removal of the videos from social media, alleging that Kejriwal and his associates circulated the videos during a hearing on April 13, tarnishing the image of the judiciary.
The plea claimed that there is a conspiracy by Kejriwal and other politicians to mislead the public by suggesting that the judiciary is influenced by certain political parties and the Centre. It also demanded appropriate action against those responsible for allegedly violating rules relating to video conferencing at the Delhi High Court.
Arvind Kejriwal had sought recusal of Justice Sharma from hearing the Central Bureau of Investigation petition in the liquor policy case, citing a “grave, bona fide and reasonable apprehension” of bias. The court is currently hearing the CBI’s plea challenging his acquittal in the case.
The AAP chief had argued that prior adverse orders by the judge, including refusal of relief to him and others like Manish Sisodia and K Kavitha, indicated bias. He had also alleged a “conflict of interest”, claiming the judge’s children were empanelled as central government lawyers.
While rejecting Kejriwal’s plea, Justice Sharma on Monday said that justice does not bow to pressure and highlighted the importance of an impartial judiciary.
The case dates back to 2021, when controversy erupted following allegations that the Kejriwal government extended undue financial favours to several liquor licensees, leading to significant losses to Delhi’s exchequer.
– Ends
Published By:
Aprameya Rao
Published On:
Apr 21, 2026 17:34 IST
Tune In
