BREAKING | Excise Policy Case: Delhi HC Judge Objects To “Vilifying” Material, Signals Contempt Proceedings
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said she would initiate contempt proceedings after allegedly “extremely vilifying and defamatory” material was circulated against her during the Delhi excise policy case proceedings
Delhi High Court judge Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma warned of contempt action over allegedly defamatory posts during the excise policy case hearing
The Delhi High Court on Thursday witnessed a sharp development after Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said she would initiate contempt proceedings over allegedly defamatory and vilifying content posted against her in connection with the excise policy case.
The matter came up during proceedings where the Court was also scheduled to hear the CBI’s challenge to the discharge of all accused in the case, including senior AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Durgesh Pathak, who have been boycotting the proceedings before the bench.
As the court assembled, Justice Sharma noted that she was to announce the appointment of amicus curiae in the matter, for which several Senior Advocates had consented. However, she said the situation changed after certain respondents allegedly circulated defamatory material targeting her.
“Today I was to announce the amicus curiae. Some seniors had graciously accepted. However, some respondents have posted extremely vilifying and defamatory material against me. I cannot stay silent,” Justice Sharma observed.
The judge further stated that she would be initiating contempt action against those responsible and would pass a detailed order later in the day.
“I am going to take contempt action. I will pass a detailed order at 5 PM,” she added.
The development came as Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, Special Public Prosecutor DP Singh, and ASG SV Raju (appearing via video conference) were present in court for the hearing.
A detailed order is expected later in the day.
Previously, the Court had indicated that it will appoint amicus curiae to represent AAP leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and Durgesh Pathak. “I will appoint three Senior Advocates as amicus for the respondents who are not present,” the Court observed, adding that the appointments will be made on May 8, 2026.
The case arises out of the Delhi excise policy controversy, where both the CBI and ED have initiated proceedings. The High Court is presently examining the CBI’s challenge to a trial court order discharging the accused, alongside the ED’s plea to remove certain observations made against it.
On April 29, the Court had deferred hearing after noting that the complete trial court record had not yet been received. It had also recorded that some respondents had already filed their replies and granted a final opportunity to the remaining parties to do so by May 2.
What has happened so far in the Delhi Excise policy case:
It is to be noted that Senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia had written to Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court, stating that he will not participate in further hearings in the matter, citing concerns over the “appearance of impartial justice” and invoking principles of conscience and Satyagraha. Sisodia’s letter follows a similar communication by Arvind Kejriwal a day earlier. Referring to it, Sisodia stated, “I have carefully considered the substance of that letter… I find myself in respectful agreement with the stand taken by him, which is based on Mahatma Gandhi's teachings on Satyagraha.”
Case Title: CBI v. Kuldeep Singh & Ors.
Bench: Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma
Hearing Date: May 14, 2026