Arvind Kejriwal Refuses to Appear Before Justice Swarana Kanta in Excise Case Amid Recusal Controversy

Arvind Kejriwal has declined to appear before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court in the ongoing excise policy case, citing concerns over impartiality after the judge declined to recuse herself despite his request. In a formal communication to the court, Kejriwal stated that he would not attend proceedings either in person or through legal representation, asserting that his hope of receiving a fair hearing had been “shattered” and “broken” due to the judge’s refusal to step aside. The Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party leader had previously moved an application seeking Justice Sharma’s recusal, arguing that her prior remarks and conduct in the case raised reasonable apprehension of bias. Justice Sharma had rejected the recusal plea, maintaining that no grounds existed for her withdrawal from the bench hearing the matter related to the alleged irregularities in Delhi’s 2021-22 excise policy. The case, which involves accusations of corruption and kickbacks in the formulation and implementation of the policy, has seen multiple political figures summoned for questioning by the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate. Kejriwal’s refusal to appear marks an escalation in the legal standoff, with his legal team contending that continuing to participate under the current bench would compromise the legitimacy of any outcome. The Delhi High Court has not yet issued a formal response to his latest communication, and no new hearing date has been announced in the matter.