The Delhi High Court on Monday, May 20, 2024, issued contempt notices to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and several other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders. The notices were issued in response to a contempt petition alleging that the leaders made "vilifying" posts against a single-judge bench of the High Court. The next hearing in the matter is scheduled for July 10, 2024.

The contempt petition was filed by advocate Pawan Kumar, who alleged that the AAP leaders had targeted Justice Manmohan with critical remarks following an order he passed on April 15, 2024. Justice Manmohan's order had stayed certain parts of a Delhi Assembly Committee on Privileges report. This report had recommended the expulsion of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Vijender Gupta from the assembly for alleged breach of privilege.

The petition specifically contended that posts made by the AAP leaders on social media platforms and in press conferences amounted to scandalizing the court and interfering with the administration of justice. The statements reportedly questioned the integrity and impartiality of Justice Manmohan, implying political motivations behind his judicial decision. Besides Mr. Kejriwal and Mr. Sisodia, the notices were also served to AAP leaders Sanjay Singh, Saurabh Bhardwaj, Durgesh Pathak, and Jasbir Singh.

During the proceedings, a division bench comprising Justices Suresh Kumar Kait and Manoj Jain observed that a prima facie case for contempt was made out. The court noted that the alleged posts appeared to "scandalize the court" and "interfere with the administration of justice." The bench stated that the respondents are required to show cause why contempt proceedings should not be initiated against them.

The advocate for the petitioner argued that the statements were deliberately designed to undermine public confidence in the judiciary and to bring disrepute to a sitting judge. The core of the complaint centered on the assertion that the AAP leaders had attributed the court's order to partisan influence, thereby questioning judicial independence.

The issuance of contempt notices underscores the judiciary's firm stance on protecting its independence and reputation from unwarranted criticism that could potentially impede the course of justice. These notices compel the named individuals to explain their actions and statements before the court. The proceedings will determine whether their remarks constitute contempt of court as defined under law.

The case will progress on July 10, 2024, when Mr. Kejriwal, Mr. Sisodia, and the other named AAP leaders are expected to present their responses to the High Court regarding the allegations of contempt. The court will then evaluate the submissions and decide on the initiation of formal contempt proceedings.