Kejriwal Seeks Recusal, May Appear in HC

Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal will personally appear before the Delhi High Court on Monday for a significant hearing related to the alleged excise policy case. Kejriwal, along with other accused in the purported liquor scam, has sought the recusal of the presiding judge. The court will examine a CBI plea challenging a trial court order discharging Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and others. According to the Aam Aadmi Party legal team, Kejriwal may address the court directly during the proceedings scheduled for April 6.

Recusal Plea Filed
Ahead of the hearing, Kejriwal and the co-accused submitted an application seeking the recusal of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma. Recusal refers to a judge stepping aside from a case due to possible bias, conflict of interest, or concerns over impartiality.

CBI Challenges Discharge
The High Court gave respondents time to reply, noting related SLP and writ petitions are pending before the Supreme Court. Appearing for the CBI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that detailed replies were not needed. He said the High Court could rely on trial court records and the discharge order. He described the discharge as an “exceptional order” that should not remain in force longer than required.

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Kejriwal Defence Seeks More Time

Senior Advocate N. Hariharan, representing Kejriwal, requested additional time, pointing out that the order runs nearly 500 pages and needs thorough review. He also told the court that an SLP has already been filed in the Supreme Court of India, which could affect the proceedings. Opposing the request, Mehta said delays were causing prejudice to both the judicial system and litigants. The court eventually allowed more time for responses and scheduled the next hearing for April 6.

Move to Transfer Case
Separately, Kejriwal, Sisodia, and other accused have moved the Supreme Court, seeking transfer of the case from Justice Sharma’s bench. The petitions, filed under Article 32, cite concerns over certain observations made during earlier hearings. They argue these remarks raise doubts about fairness. They also highlighted the High Court’s interim stay on trial court proceedings while hearing the CBI’s appeal as a supporting factor.

Chief Justice Declines Transfer Request
Earlier, Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya declined Kejriwal’s administrative request to transfer the case. He clarified that the roster assigned the matter and that the concerned judge will decide on recusal. The case involves alleged Excise Policy 2021–22 irregularities, with CBI and Enforcement Directorate naming Kejriwal, Sisodia, and other AAP leaders accused.

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