Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma refused to step aside, calling the recusal plea a strategic move by Arvind Kejriwal to create a “win-win” situation. The court said recusal must be based on law, not narratives, and rejecting it protects judicial independence.
Arvind Kejriwal sought to file a rejoinder in his recusal plea, alleging bias, but faced strong objections from SG Tushar Mehta over court procedure. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma allowed it as a written statement, calling it a special indulgence, and postponed the verdict to 4:30 PM.
The Central Bureau of Investigation opposed Kejriwal’s recusal request, arguing his logic would disqualify judges from hearing any government-related cases. The agency told the Delhi High Court that such claims are legally unsustainable and could disrupt the judicial system.
The Delhi High Court accepted Kejriwal’s new affidavit seeking Justice Sharma’s recusal but made it clear the case will not be reheard. The Court said the matter remains reserved, even as fresh conflict of interest claims were placed on record.
A new twist has emerged in the recusal plea involving Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma as Arvind Kejriwal files an additional affidavit citing conflict concerns. He highlights continuing professional engagements under the Central Government to justify recusal in case.
Kejriwal told the Delhi High Court that Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma has consistently ruled in favour of ED and CBI, raising serious doubts about a fair hearing. He argued that even a “reasonable apprehension of bias” is enough for recusal, citing past judgments and recent court orders.
Former Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal has asked Delhi High Court Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma to recuse from hearing the CBI’s appeal in the Excise Policy case. Kejriwal is likely to appear in court personally as the recusal plea is set to be heard tomorrow.
