New Delhi. Hearing in Delhi’s alleged liquor scam case was held today in Delhi High Court. During this, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor Arvind Kejriwal filed a petition demanding Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma to recuse himself from hearing the case. Kejriwal himself appeared in the court and gave his arguments. During the hearing he said that he has filed a recusal petition and it should be taken on record. This petition has been filed on the basis that the judge himself should be recused from the case so that the hearing remains fair. The next date of hearing has been fixed for Monday, April 13.
AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal and his wife Sunita Kejriwal appeared in the Delhi High Court today in the alleged Delhi liquor scam case. Kejriwal filed a recusal petition with Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma and presented his own arguments for this. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for CBI, opposed Kejriwal’s argument. Tushar Mehta also said in the court that this is not the place for drama, and also objected to Kejriwal appearing in person and being a lawyer. The court will now hear the main case next only after taking a decision on the recusal petition.
What is the matter?
This case is related to the CBI petition, in which the relief given by the trial court to Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and other accused has been challenged. Kejriwal’s petition was presented before the Chief Justice of the High Court, but the Chief Justice clarified that the decision on recusal has to be taken only by the concerned judge, hence his demand was rejected. During the hearing, Kejriwal and his wife Sunita Kejriwal were also present in the court, while Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, appearing for CBI, opposed Kejriwal’s argument and said that this is not the place for drama. The court will now hear the case before the concerned judge only.
Delhi High Court has issued a notice to CBI on the petition of Arvind Kejriwal, in which he had sought removal of Justice Swarnakanta Sharma from the Excise (Liquor) case. Kejriwal told the court that he would personally come and argue on this petition. The next date of hearing has been fixed for Monday, April 13. This case is related to the CBI challenging the relief given by the trial court to Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and other accused.
During the hearing in the Delhi High Court on Arvind Kejriwal’s plea for removal (recusal) of Justice Swarnakanta Sharma from the excise case, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed Kejriwal’s argument. Mehta said that some people make their career by making allegations, and this is an allegation against the institution. He told the court that Kejriwal already has a lawyer, but he wants to argue himself. Mehta clearly said: “The government side has no problem if they want to argue themselves, but the court is not meant for drama.” The Chief Justice had already refused to list Kejriwal’s petition before any other judge.
Lower court acquitted Kejriwal and others
This petition has been filed in response to the ED’s petition, in which the January 22 order of the lower court was challenged. On January 22, the Rouse Avenue court had acquitted Kejriwal and other accused in the case related to the liquor policy probe. The court had also raised questions on the functioning of the investigating agency. After this the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) approached the High Court. Amidst this process, Kejriwal has filed an application for the removal (recusal) of Justice Swarnakanta Sharma from the case.
Demand to transfer the case to another judge
Earlier, Arvind Kejriwal had asked Chief Justice D.K. It was requested before Upadhyay that the case related to the liquor policy investigation be transferred to another judge. However, Justice Upadhyay rejected this demand. The court clarified that the decision to recuse from a case is the sole discretion of the judge concerned. That is, this decision cannot be taken by any other judge. After this, Kejriwal has filed a formal petition in CBI and High Court for recusal.
Justice Sharma accused of bias
AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal has accused Justice Swarnkanta Sharma of bias in the liquor policy inquiry case. Kejriwal and other accused said in the petition that the case should be handed over to an impartial bench to ensure fair trial and maintain public confidence in the justice system. The petitioners claim that many orders passed by Justice Sharma in this case have been overturned by the Supreme Court, which increases the possibility of bias in justice. Kejriwal has also said that he will present himself in the High Court and argue on this recusal petition.
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