President Donald Trump concluded his state visit to China. He met with President Xi Jinping. The visit featured business deals and discussions. President Xi issued a strong warning regarding Taiwan. Trump expressed hope for a stronger relationship. China agreed to purchase Boeing jets
The U.S. House of Representatives narrowly rejected a resolution to halt the Iran war without congressional approval. The vote was tied, failing to pass. This marks the third such attempt this year, with votes becoming increasingly close. Democrats argue the Constitution requires Congress to
Canon launches full-frame EOS R6V camera with built-in cooling fan in India: Price and availabilityCanon has launched the EOS R6V camera and RF 20–50mm power zoom lens in India, targeting filmmakers, wedding shooters, and video creators. Updated on: May 14
A notice issued by the state school education department said that the singing of ‘Vande Mataram’ should be made mandatory during morning assembly prayers prior to the start of classes in all schools with immediate effect. In a major move, the West Bengal government
Pop star Delta Goodrem has dramatically increased Australia's odds of winning the Eurovision Song Contest, after a stunning performance of her power ballad, Eclipse, at Thursday's semi-final. The singer is now second favourite for the competition, and is rapidly closing in on Finland
Delhi HC judge initiates criminal contempt action against Arvind Kejriwal
The Delhi High Court’s Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma on Thursday initiated contempt of court proceedings against Aam Aadmi Party leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and several others for allegedly defaming and vilifying her on social media in connection with the liquor policy case, Bar and Bench reported.
Sharma, however, recused herself from hearing the Central Bureau of Investigation’s revision petition against their discharge in the Delhi liquor policy case.
“It could be that if I keep hearing this case, Arvind Kejriwal and other people might think that I have a grudge against him,” the legal news portal quoted her as saying. “That’s why I’ve thought that this particular case will be heard by some other bench.”
The development comes after the former chief minister, Sisodia and another AAP leader, Durgesh Pathak, decided in April to boycott the proceedings before Sharma in the petition filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation against the trial court order discharging them and several others in the case.
On April 20, Sharma rejected a petition filed by the AAP leaders demanding that she recuse herself from hearing the case. Their petition raised concerns about “perceived ideological proximity”, referring to her attending an event of an organisation linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.
The RSS is the parent organisation of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party.
Kejriwal also argued before Sharma that she had repeatedly passed orders in favour of the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate in the liquor policy case.
On Thursday, the judge said that the present order on her recusal should not be understood as a transfer of the matter merely because such demands were made by Kejriwal and the others, Bar and Bench reported.
Noting that she had already rejected their demand for recusal, Sharma said that subsequent events such as the initiation of contempt proceedings had given rise to different issues. “Therefore, let it be a reminder that you pay a personal price for constitutional courage,” she was quoted as saying.
The judge said that Kejriwal had taken to social media against her instead of filing an appeal before the Supreme Court.
During the hearing, Sharma flagged a letter and a video that she said were circulated online by Kejriwal and the others, which announced their boycott of the proceedings after she had refused to recuse herself from hearing the case.
“Though inside court Mr Kejriwal said he respects the court, outside court he orchestrated a coordinated campaign against me,” Bar and Bench quoted the judge as saying.
Referring to the allegations made against her including the relationship between the court and a political party, Sharma added that those seeking her recusal could have moved the Supreme Court.
She added that several members of the AAP had also repeated the allegations.
Sharma also noted that Kejriwal had claimed that the public would not have the confidence that she would rule against the Union government or the BJP, according to the legal news portal.
“On the face of it, the statement is not bona fide,” Bar and Bench quoted Sharma as saying. “Kejriwal imputed political motives to this court.”
If such allegations are allowed to be publicly circulated, it would prejudice the institution of the judiciary and lead to anarchy, the judge said.
About the allegations that she had attended the RSS event, the judge said that the video shared by the AAP leaders of her allegedly speaking there had been edited.
Sharma claimed that she was actually speaking at a college event.
“These great individuals edited the video,” Bar and Bench quoted her as saying. “…This has created an impression that this court got her promotion under the influence of so-and-so. These people knew that they were editing the video.”
Sharma said that she had been trained to accept fair criticism but the material circulated against her exceeded that threshold.
“However, sometimes remaining silent is not judicial restraint,” the legal news portal quoted her as saying. “…The utterances by the contemnors did not merely express disagreement but they lead to only one conclusion that it was a campaign of vilification not against this sitting judge but entire judiciary.”
On April 27, Kejriwal had said that he would not appear before Sharma. A day later, Sisodia and Pathak also told Sharma that they would not appear before her in the liquor policy case.
In separate letters, Kejriwal and Sisodia had reiterated their concern about Sharma’s “public association” with the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad, which is a lawyers’ group linked to the RSS.
The two party leaders also noted that Sharma’s son and daughter have been empanelled as counsels by the Union government. Kejriwal highlighted that they are both allocated cases by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who is appearing before the High Court representing the CBI.
An empanelled counsel is a lawyer selected by a government body, public sector undertaking or organisation to represent their legal cases for a designated period.
The CBI had alleged irregularities in the Delhi government’s liquor excise policy, which has since been scrapped. Based on the CBI case, the ED also launched an investigation into allegations of money-laundering.
The policy came into effect in November 2021. It was withdrawn in July 2022 with Vinai Kumar Saxena, the Delhi lieutenant governor at the time, recommending an investigation into the alleged irregularities of the policy.
The two central agencies alleged that the AAP government at the time modified the liquor policy by increasing the commission for wholesalers from 5% to 12%. This allegedly facilitated the receipt of bribes from wholesalers who had a substantial market share and turnover.
On February 27, the trial court discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia, Pathak and 20 others accused by the CBI in the case. There was no overarching conspiracy or criminal intent in the excise policy, the court had ruled.
The court had also criticised the central agency for implicating Kejriwal without any cogent material. It said that the chargesheet had several gaps not supported by any witnesses or statements.
However, the High Court on March 9 stayed the adverse observations made by the trial court about the CBI. The matter was heard by Sharma, who prima facie observed that the trial court’s findings were erroneous.
Source: Scroll
Related Posts: Setback for Arvind Kejriwal after Delhi HC judge refuses to recuse SC says it is not inclined to initiate contempt action against lawyer for attack on chief justice India initiates anti-dumping probe into import of solar cell component India begins criminal action against cough-syrup maker linked to deaths of 10 children Delhi High Court issues notice to Arvind Kejriwal after ED contests acquittal in excise policy summons cases Appeals court backs contempt finding against Apple Appeals court backs contempt finding against Apple Not inclined to initiate contempt against lawyer who attacked CJI Arvind Kejriwal withdraws in HC plea against ED summonses in excise policy case HC holds Hockey India secretary general guilty of contempt
‘Do you have elections in India?’: NRI shuts down American with 17-word replyAn NRI shared that the American man, quite “unironically”, also asked them to enjoy lasagne, assuming the Indians had never heard of the dish. Updated on: May 15, 2026 7:04 AM IST By Trisha Sengupta Share via Copy
Just now
Red Fort blast part of al-Qaeda affiliated group's 'Heavenly Hind' operation, says NIA chargesheetNIA, so far, has arrested 11 persons in the Red Fort blast case while a probe is on to track absconders. Updated on: May 15, 2026 7:14 AM IST By Neeraj Chauhan Share via Copy link The November 10 car
Just now
NEET UG 2026 cancelled amid paper leak row, students, parents and educators react stronglyNEET UG 2026 was cancelled amid paper leak row on May 12, 2026. CBI is currently investigating the matter. Students, parents and educators have reacted. Updated on: May 14
Just now
The airline said the move is aimed at maintaining operational stability, controlling costs and avoiding last-minute disruptions for passengers. New Delhi: Amid rising fuel costs, ongoing tensions in West Asia and continued airspace restrictions across several regions
Just now
Anthropic’s Claude Code product head Cat Wu says the next phase of AI will be defined by proactive systems that can understand workflows, anticipate user needs and automate repetitive tasks. Her remarks highlight how AI-native tools are reshaping software development and productivity
Just now
India’s crude imports fall 17% amid supply shockThe decline in imports meant that despite a spike in global crude oil prices, India’s total crude oil import bill fell by around 5% on an annualised basis in March. Published on: May 15, 2026 7:54 AM IST By Rajeev Jayaswal Share via Copy link In
Just now
Britney Spears’ rep reacts to claims singer was walking around a restaurant in LA with a knife: ‘She was simply…’On May 14, it was reported that Britney Spears was sharing a table at a Los Angeles restaurant when she allegedly began "screaming" and "barking." May 15, 2026
Just now
Spotify has always been boasted as one of the best music streaming platforms. However, the pricing of the same has always been a concern in India. To tackle this situation, Spotify has finally changed the way the Premium plan works. And no kidding, you can also get the same for as low as Rs 69
Just now
PAN Card Mobile Number Change: The PAN card has become an essential document today. Without it, no financial transactions can be carried out. All necessary information on a PAN card must remain up-to-date; otherwise, difficulties may arise when attempting to use it in the future. Today
Just now
Mohali: Air India fined ₹50,000 over last-minute cancellationAirline cites runway maintenance by Airports Authority of India, District Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission says basic assistance not provided Published on: May 15, 2026 7:54 AM IST By HT Correspondent
Just now
Xi Jinping threw a grand welcome for Donald Trump on the first day of a visit that could reset ties between the rival superpowers. The military honour guard lined up outside the Great Hall of the People to welcome Trump, complete with a gun salute and a band playing the US national anthem
Just now
Reigan Heskey smashed home a late winner as Manchester City claimed bragging rights over bitter rivals Manchester United by winning the FA Youth Cup for the fifth time. In a repeat of the two-legged showpiece from 40 years ago, which City also triumphed in
Just now
Summer Special Trains: Ahead of the summer vacation rush, trains heading towards eastern India are witnessing heavy passenger traffic. To ease congestion and improve travel convenience, the Railways has announced several summer special trains for destinations including Dankuni and Howrah in West
Just now
Election Commission begins third phase of SIR across 16 states, 3 UTsThe SIR exercise sparked controversy after 2.71 million people were removed from voter rolls in West Bengal during last month’s assembly poll Updated on: May 15, 2026 7:52 AM IST By Harsh Yadav Share via Copy link The Election
Just now
When travelling, using pee sprays on the toilets can add an extra layer of hygiene, along with the use of disposable urination devices for women. People often control their urine for several hours a day when they have a busy work schedule, meetings or school or if they are travelling long distances
Just now
The prices of petrol and diesel were on Friday increased with immediate effect amid rising global oil prices and supply concerns amid the conflict in West Asia. In Delhi, the price of petrol increased by Rs 3 per litre to Rs 97.77 per litre from Rs 94.77 per litre. Diesel will cost Rs 99
Just now
Angel Reese opens up on Paige Bueckers friendship amid Atlanta's win vs WingsAngel Reese and Paige Bueckers, rivals on the court, share a strong friendship off it. Reese talked about their relationship before the Wings vs Dreams game. Updated on: May 15
Just now
The Wholesale Price Index (WPI)-based inflation rises to 8.3% in April 2026 on an annual basis, compared with 3.88% in March and 2.26% in February. WPI Inflation Data for April 2026: India’s wholesale price inflation accelerated sharply in April 2026
Just now
Mexico City gears up for the World Cup this summer. Visitors can explore historical sites like Zocalo and Chapultepec Park. The city boasts a diverse food scene from street tacos to fine dining. Eighteen public fan zones will broadcast matches for free
Just now
Finally, a high stakes Kolkata derby in ISLWin on Sunday and the title is all but theirs, lose and they could slip to fifth Published on: May 15, 2026 8:00 AM IST By Dhiman Sarkar Share via Copy link Proof of how little separates Mohun Bagan Super Giant and East Bengal this season lies not only in
Just now
The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is expected to activate e-admit card links this week for the Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2026. With the high-stakes exam scheduled for 24 May, lakhs of aspirants are awaiting access to the official portals—upsc.gov.in and upsconline.nic
Just now
OAKLAND, Calif. — Lawyers for Elon Musk and OpenAI began closing arguments Thursday in the landmark trial whose outcome could shape the future of artificial intelligence. Musk, the world's richest man, was a co-founder of OpenAI, the company that launched in 2015 and went on to create ChatGPT
Just now
Chief Minister-designate V D Satheesan on Thursday announced that the new Congress-led government in Kerala will be sworn in on May 18. The announcement comes days after the alliance registered a decisive victory in the Assembly elections, paving the way for a change in leadership and formation of
Just now
Former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appeared at the Calcutta High Court to make submissions regarding post-poll violence. Senior advocate Kalyan Banerjee highlighted widespread hooliganism and targeting of TMC workers. Petitioner Bikash Bhattacharya drew attention to the demolition of Muslim
Just now
Love Horoscope Today for May 15, 2026: Clear communication may begin a relationshipEmotional healing is essential; do not isolate yourself. Surround yourself with supportive people. Softness signifies strength. Published on: May 15, 2026 7:37 AM IST By Kishori Sud Share via Copy link Aries Love
Just now
Prepare for an AI jobs apocalypseIt is not here yet. But governments should lay a safety-net Published on: May 14, 2026 8:52 PM IST The Economist Share via Copy link The launch of ChatGPT in 2022 ignited the artificial-intelligence boom—and elicited a chorus of warnings from AI bosses of an
Just now
Mumbai Indians secured a six-wicket victory over Punjab Kings in their IPL clash. Tilak Varma's unbeaten 75 guided MI to chase down 201 with one ball remaining. Will Jacks also contributed with a quickfire 25. Earlier, Shardul Thakur took four wickets for MI, but Punjab Kings still posted 200 for 8
Just now
