The Delhi High Court on Thursday initiated criminal contempt proceedings against former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and several other Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders, observing that a “coordinated campaign” had been carried out to scandalise the judiciary in connection with the excise policy case, news agency IANS reported.

Passing a detailed order, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma said the social media posts, videos, and public statements made against her after she refused to recuse from hearing the matter had crossed the line between fair criticism and criminal contempt.