CBI Opposes Arvind Kejriwal’s Plea for Judge’s Recusal in Excise Case

Arvind Kejriwal has filed a plea before the Delhi High Court seeking the recusal of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma from the proceedings of the Delhi liquor policy case.

The application for recusal is based on allegations of potential bias. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has formally opposed the plea, arguing that no bias can be attributed to Justice Sharma. Specifically, the CBI contended that the judge’s attendance at an RSS seminar does not constitute evidence of bias or prejudice in the legal process.

During the court appearance, Kejriwal informed the Delhi High Court that he intended to argue the recusal plea himself. This personal appearance and the request to represent himself were characterized by the Solicitor General as “theatrics.”

Judicial and Investigative Positions

The CBI’s opposition emphasizes a distinction between a judicial officer’s personal or professional attendance at a seminar and the impartiality required during the adjudication of a criminal case. The agency maintains that the grounds cited for the recusal application lack the necessary legal basis to prove a conflict of interest or a preconceived notion regarding the merits of the excise policy scam case.

The request for a change of bench comes as part of the ongoing legal battle surrounding the Delhi excise policy, where the court is tasked with evaluating the evidence and arguments presented by both the federal investigative agencies and the defense.

The Delhi High Court has scheduled the next hearing on this matter for April 13.