In a significant turn of events, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court has referred the excise policy case involving Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders to the Chief Justice for reassignment. While the move aligns with Kejriwal’s previous request for a bench transfer, the judge clarified that this was a matter of “Judicial Discipline” rather than a standard recusal.

Simultaneously, Justice Sharma initiated criminal contempt proceedings against several AAP leaders, citing a “coordinated campaign” on social media designed to scandalize the judiciary. The judge noted that the attacks had even targeted her family, stating, “I refuse to be intimidated.”

By transferring the case, the court aims to maintain “judicial propriety” and prevent any future claims of bias stemming from the ongoing contempt charges. Following the news, Kejriwal took to X, framing the reassignment as a victory for his “Satyagraha.”