‘Satyagraha’ for justice: AAP supremo’s big step, Kejriwal will not appear before the judge or through lawyer

An unprecedented situation has arisen between former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and the judiciary, which is considered rare in Indian judicial history. Kejriwal has decided not to participate in the proceedings before the bench of Justice Swarnakanta Sharma, which has intensified the constitutional debate.

This decision came to light when the court had rejected his ‘recusal’ petition on 20 April 2026. Kejriwal says that he has concerns about the fairness of justice. "deep fears" were, they have not ended even after the court order.

The fight is being presented as ‘Satyagraha’

Arvind Kejriwal is presenting this entire matter as ‘Satyagraha’ instead of a legal struggle. Citing the principles of Mahatma Gandhi, he said that when a citizen feels injustice in the system, his first duty is not to protest or show arrogance, but to establish dialogue.

He said that he presented his views politely before the court, but when his conscience was not satisfied, he chose the path of Satyagraha. Kejriwal is calling it not against any person or institution but as a call for conscience of a citizen.

Big question on judicial impartiality

Kejriwal has raised a serious issue through his letter. He said that in the last 75 years, whenever other pillars of democracy have weakened, the public has expressed confidence in the judiciary. He says that this step has been taken not to weaken the judiciary, but to make it more strong and reliable. He also indicated that if a former Chief Minister has doubts about getting justice from a particular bench, then it could be a matter of concern for common citizens as well.

Respect for law and constitutional choice

Although Kejriwal has distanced himself from this bench, he has clarified that he is not violating the law. Referring to his constitutional right to appeal in the Supreme Court, he said that he has a time limit of 90 days for this.

Political stir on ‘Judicial Satyagraha’

According to political analysts, this ‘Judicial Satyagraha’ of Kejriwal will remain a topic of discussion in both legal and political fields in the coming times. This is being seen as a step that can give rise to a wide debate on judicial purity and transparency.