Arvind Kejriwal Files Recusal Plea in Delhi HC in Excise Case

Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of Aam Aadmi Party and former Delhi chief minister, has filed a recusal application in the Delhi High Court in connection with the excise policy case. The plea requests that Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma step aside from hearing the matter. The party confirmed the development in an official statement on Sunday. Kejriwal also plans to present his arguments in the case personally during Monday’s hearing. The move marks a new development in the ongoing legal proceedings.

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The case returned to the High Court after the Central Bureau of Investigation challenged a trial court order that discharged Kejriwal and several others. On March 16, the High Court granted the accused additional time to respond to the agency’s appeal. The court then scheduled the next hearing for April 6. The appeal questions the legality of the earlier decision that cleared 23 accused in the case. The High Court is now examining whether that ruling should stand.

BJP criticizes the move, questioning Kejriwal’s respect for the judiciary

The recusal request triggered strong reactions from the Bharatiya Janata Party. BJP spokesperson Praveen Shankar Kapoor criticized Kejriwal’s move and questioned his respect for the judiciary. Kapoor argued that the AAP leader had already failed in his earlier attempt to transfer the case to another bench. He said Kejriwal’s new request appeared to challenge the authority of the judicial system. The remarks intensified the political debate surrounding the case.

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Earlier, on March 11, Kejriwal and other accused wrote to the High Court’s Chief Justice seeking a transfer of the case. They expressed concern that the hearing might not remain impartial. However, the request was rejected after review by the court administration. Following the rejection, the case continued before Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma. The registrar general communicated the decision on March 13.

The controversy began after a trial court discharged Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and 21 others on February 27. The court ruled that the evidence presented did not establish even a basic case against the accused. The judge also ordered an inquiry into the investigating officer, accusing him of misusing his authority during the probe. The CBI later challenged the decision in the High Court, arguing that investigators had collected documents, witness statements, and digital records to support their case. The High Court is currently reviewing these claims while the legal battle continues.