Kejriwal will appear before Delhi High Court to seek recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in a case related to the excise policy case, after ED challenged his earlier acquittal.
Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, is expected to personally appear before the Delhi High Court on Monday, seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in proceedings linked to the alleged excise policy case.
The High Court is hearing appeals filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against a trial court decision that discharged Kejriwal and 22 others, effectively ruling that there was insufficient ground to proceed with a trial. On February 27, the trial court had cleared all 23 accused in the corruption case tied to the now-scrapped liquor policy.
Multiple applications, including one submitted by Kejriwal, have requested that Justice Sharma step aside from the matter. These pleas are expected to be considered during Monday’s hearing. The case is currently assigned to Justice Sharma’s bench, which handles criminal matters involving legislators.
Earlier, on March 9, the High Court put on hold certain observations made by the trial court that recommended departmental action against the investigating officer. This interim order was passed without hearing the accused.
Justice Sharma cited “factual discrepancies” in the lower court’s ruling and noted that some findings—particularly those related to witness and approver statements at the charge stage—appeared prima facie flawed. Justice Sharma also requested that the trial court’s proceedings in the case of the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) should be deferred.
