Delhi High Court sees its third judge recuse from hearing Karti Chidambaram’s plea in the Chinese Visa scam case. The repeated recusals have caused fresh delays and raised questions over the trial’s future and judicial handling.
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NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has once again witnessed a twist in the Chinese Visa Scam case involving Congress MP Karti Chidambaram. On Friday, Justice Girish Kathpalia recused himself from hearing the petition challenging the framing of charges of corruption and conspiracy against Karti in the CBI probe.
This is the latest in a series of recusals, following earlier withdrawals by Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani and Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma. The case has now been reassigned to another bench, raising new questions and renewed public interest in the matter.
Justice Kathpalia, while hearing the case, stated:
“I don’t think I would be able to hear this.”
He ordered that the matter be listed before another bench “for personal reasons”, subject to the direction of the Judge in Charge (criminal side).
“Subject to orders of the learned judge in charge, criminal side, list before some other bench for personal reasons,”
the judge ordered.
This marks the third consecutive recusal in the case, leading to fresh speculation and renewed scrutiny from legal experts and the public alike.
Previous Recusals
1. Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani
Justice Bhambhani recused himself from hearing Karti Chidambaram’s plea challenging the framing of charges. He stated the matter should be listed before another bench, subject to the judge-in-charge’s orders.
The matter was later listed before another bench on January 23.
2. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma (January 15)
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma also recused herself from the hearing earlier in January, adding to the growing momentum of the case.
The petition filed by Karti Chidambaram challenges the framing of charges of corruption and conspiracy against him in the alleged Chinese visa scam case, probed by the CBI.
The petitioner claims the trial court failed to consider crucial documents and evidence that suggest an alternate story.
It is argued that the alleged conspiracy was actually the brainchild of the approver Vikas Makharia, who allegedly used the re-use of project visas to make money and then blamed others.
Karti’s petition also highlights that:
- No public servant was identified as influenced
- Two public servants examined by the CBI stated that no attempt was made to influence them
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