Recently, the Delhi High Court directed Adeeshwar Singhal, facing criminal contempt proceedings, to appear in person before it on March 23, warning that coercive steps would follow if he failed to comply. The order comes after a series of virtual appearances marked by threats and derogatory remarks against judges, prompting the Court to signal that defiance of judicial authority will invite firm consequences.
The contempt case stems from a reference made by a district judge at Karkardooma Courts after Singhal allegedly made scandalous and disruptive remarks during a virtual hearing in April 2025. Despite being issued notice in May 2025 and directed to appear physically before the High Court, he repeatedly chose to join proceedings through video conference. Bailable warrants were issued in November 2025 when he failed to present himself, on that occasion, he declined to disclose his location and reportedly dismissed the proceedings as “stupid.”
As the matter progressed, execution of warrants proved unsuccessful, and the Court was informed in January 2026 that Singhal had left the country. Even thereafter, he continued to log in virtually and allegedly used threatening language against the Bench. Advocate Amit George was appointed as amicus curiae to assist the Court in the ongoing contempt action.
A Division Bench of Justice Navin Chawla and Justice Ravinder Dudeja expressed serious concern over what it described as escalating misconduct. The Court noted that despite clear directions to appear physically, Singhal had persisted in attending virtually and issuing threats. In its February 19 order, the Bench recorded, “We take strong exception to the same and have, in fact, warned the respondent that this would amount to compounding of the contempt.”
Stressing that continued defiance would not be tolerated, the Court directed him to remain present in person on the next date of hearing, cautioning that failure to do so would compel it to adopt “appropriate coercive steps” to secure his attendance. COURT ON ITS OWN MOTION
Case Title: Court on Its Own Motion vs. Adeeshwar Singhal
Case No.: CONT.CAS.(CRL) 10/2025
Coram: Hon’Ble Mr. Justice Navin Chawla, Hon’Ble Mr. Justice Ravinder Dudeja
Advocate for Petitioner: None
Advocate for Respondent: Respondent through VC, Aman Usman (APP), Manvendra Yadav
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