The Delhi High Court is set to announce its decision on a plea by Arvind Kejriwal, the AAP national convenor, requesting Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma’s recusal from cases related to the alleged Delhi Excise Policy. Initially scheduled for 4:30 p.m., the judgment was rescheduled to 5:30 p.m. Kejriwal filed a rejoinder affidavit in response to the CBI’s written submissions earlier in the day.
Justice Sharma indicated that the verdict would be delivered in the evening. The plea revolves around Kejriwal’s request for Justice Sharma’s withdrawal from cases linked to the now-defunct Delhi Excise Policy 2021–22. The CBI has challenged a trial court’s decision to discharge Kejriwal and others, including Manish Sisodia, in this matter.
As per the Delhi High Court’s causelist, Justice Sharma was supposed to announce the verdict at 2:30 p.m., but it was postponed to the evening due to developments. During a hearing on April 13, Kejriwal argued for 45 minutes, emphasizing that he is no longer an accused in the case. He expressed concerns about receiving a fair hearing after a High Court order partially stayed the trial court’s findings.
Kejriwal highlighted the importance of a litigant’s reasonable apprehension of bias in recusal cases. In response, Justice Sharma mentioned that issues regarding judicial orders’ manner or urgency are not typically addressed in recusal proceedings. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the plea, emphasizing the need to maintain fairness towards the court regardless of the outcome.
