The Delhi High Court has taken on record Arvind Kejriwal’s plea seeking recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in the Delhi Excise Policy case. Kejriwal told the Court he will argue the case himself as the matter has now been listed for further hearing.
The Delhi High Court on Monday heard the plea filed by the CBI challenging the discharge of Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other accused in the Delhi Excise Policy case. The matter became more significant after Kejriwal filed an application seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from hearing the case.
During the court proceedings, Arvind Kejriwal appeared in person along with his wife Sunita Kejriwal. The Court discussed the recusal application and the procedure to be followed. The Bench informed the parties about the schedule of hearing and said,
“We will hear it on Monday at 2:30.”
The Solicitor General of India, Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, told the Court that the matter was serious and should be heard urgently. He stated,
“This is something very serious that has happened in the capital of this country. I saying let it be listed at the earliest.”
The Court then passed an order regarding the recusal application filed by Kejriwal. The Court said,
“This Court takes the application (for recusal) on record. Advance notice of this application was received by the other side. Let them file a reply by tomorrow.” The Bench further added, “If anyone else wants to file an application for recusal, let them do it.”
During the hearing, the Bench asked Kejriwal whether he would argue the case himself. The Bench asked,
“You will argue your case yourself?”
Kejriwal replied,
“I will argue this case myself. I will avail my legal rights. As of now, I have not issued my vakalatnama to anyone.”
Kejriwal also informed the Court about the procedural issue regarding filing of the recusal application and said,
“As per the High Court procedure, a petitioner in person is not allowed to file the application. It can only be done on the orders of the court.”
The Bench responded by saying,
“I will issue notice.”
The Solicitor General strongly objected to the allegations made and said,
“These kinds of baseless allegations are not coming for the first time. It’s coming for the first time against this institution.”
He further argued that such allegations affect the reputation of the institution and must be dealt with seriously. He stated,
“In the last hearing, the Court was informed that they have filed an SLP and an order challenging the Chief Justice’s rejection to list the matter before another judge. I predicted that it will be kept in defects. Some people in the country make a career out of making allegations. It is an allegation against the institution and we will have to support the institution. One of the respondents who is present here [Kejriwal]. He is also represented by an advocate. I have no difficulty if he argues in person. but he will have to discharge his lawyer and say he will argue his case in person. This forum is not for theatrics.”
Earlier during the hearing, Kejriwal submitted his request to the Court and said,
“Maine recusal application file kiya hai. This be taken on record.”
The matter was taken up after lunch as scheduled by the Court, and the hearing will continue regarding the recusal application and the main plea filed by the CBI challenging the discharge order in the Delhi Excise Policy case.
The case remains important as it involves allegations related to the Delhi Excise Policy and the discharge of several accused, including Arvind Kejriwal.
Click Here to Read More On Arvind Kejriwal
