Delhi High Court Directs Police Action Against Unauthorized Court Recordings
The administration of the Delhi High Court has formally requested law enforcement agencies to take immediate steps to remove or take down all unauthorized recordings of court proceedings from social media platforms. This action specifically targets clips related to a plea filed by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief Arvind Kejriwal in the ongoing liquor policy matter.
Complaint Filed Against AAP Functionaries and Others
Advocate Vaibhav Singh submitted a detailed complaint to the registrar-general of the Delhi High Court, naming Arvind Kejriwal and several other individuals for allegedly recording and circulating these clips without authorization. Singh was informed on Wednesday that the high court has already taken cognizance of the issue and directed relevant authorities to initiate removal procedures.
The complaint seeks action against multiple political figures, including AAP members Manish Sisodia, Saurabh Bharadwaj, Sanjay Singh, Sanjeev Jha, and Mukesh Ahlawat, as well as Congress leader Digvijay Singh, for sharing the recordings on social media.
Background of the Court Proceedings
Arvind Kejriwal appeared in person before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, arguing his application for approximately 45 minutes. He sought the judge's recusal from hearing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) appeal against a trial court order that had discharged him and other accused individuals in the excise policy case.
Singh's complaint alleges that sharing video or audio recordings of judicial proceedings is strictly prohibited under the Delhi High Court Rules. He contends that the conduct of the politicians constitutes an attempt to "create pressure on the judge" and is in clear violation of established regulations.
Legal Framework and Past Precedents
The complaint highlights that the act of recording and publishing court proceedings contravenes the Delhi High Court Rules for Video Conferencing of 2021 and the Electronic Evidence and Video Conferencing Rules, 2025. These rules explicitly forbid any unauthorized recording or dissemination of court proceedings.
An official from the high court administration confirmed that this is not an isolated incident. "Similar action has been undertaken in the past as well," the official stated, indicating a consistent stance against such violations.
Previous Instances and Related Petitions
In 2024, Vaibhav Singh had filed a similar plea, leading the Delhi High Court to direct Sunita Kejriwal, Arvind Kejriwal's wife, to remove a video recording of court proceedings related to the excise policy case from social media platforms. That video depicted Kejriwal addressing a trial court after his arrest on March 28.
On Wednesday, another advocate sought an urgent hearing before a bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Anish Dayal regarding a plea connected to the circulation of court videos. However, Chief Justice Upadhyaya declined the urgent listing, stating, "You have filed. It will be listed. What is the urgency?"
The complaint addressed to the registrar-general asserts that several political functionaries, including Kejriwal and other AAP members, "intentionally and deliberately" recorded and circulated the clips, undermining judicial decorum and legal protocols.
