NEW DELHI – The Delhi High Court administration has moved to protect the sanctity of judicial proceedings by directing the city police to purge unauthorized video and audio clips of a recent hearing involving Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Arvind Kejriwal.
The directive comes after numerous clips of the court proceedings were recorded and circulated across social media platforms without the court’s permission.
Zero Tolerance for Unauthorized Recording
A senior official from the High Court confirmed that capturing or sharing video from court sessions is a strict violation of established rules. Under the Delhi High Court Rules for Video Conferencing (2021) and the Electronic Evidence and Video Conferencing Rules (2025), unauthorized recording or publication of proceedings is strictly prohibited.
The specific focus of the takedown includes:
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Videos showing Mr. Kejriwal arguing his case personally before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma.
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Clips related to a plea seeking the recusal of the judge in the ongoing excise policy matter.
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Audio recordings shared with commentary intended to influence public perception.
Formal Complaint Against Political Figures
Beyond the takedown order, a formal complaint has been lodged with the Registrar General of the High Court. The complaint alleges that the circulation of these clips was a deliberate attempt to harm the image of the judiciary and misrepresent the events of the April 13, 2026, hearing.
The complainant has specifically identified various individuals, including several political leaders, who allegedly shared the material to manipulate public opinion.
Upholding Judicial Integrity
This is not the first time the Delhi High Court has taken such a stance; a similar crackdown occurred in June 2024 to prevent the misuse of virtual hearing footage.
By ordering the immediate removal of the content and initiating an inquiry, the High Court aims to reinforce that while judicial transparency is vital, it cannot be weaponized through unauthorized “social media trials” that undermine public confidence in the legal system.
