Court to rule on Kejriwal’s request for Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma to step aside in excise policy case appeal.
April 14, 2026: The Delhi High Court on Monday reserved its judgment on a plea by former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from hearing the CBI’s appeal in the Delhi excise policy case. Kejriwal personally argued his case before the court. As the hearing concluded, Justice Sharma remarked that he had argued well and even suggested he had the potential to become a lawyer, to which Kejriwal responded that he had already found his calling.
During the proceedings, Kejriwal raised concerns about possible bias, stating that he had a “reasonable apprehension” of not receiving a fair hearing. He argued that previous observations in related hearings had nearly declared him guilty, leaving only sentencing. He cited legal precedents to support his plea, claiming that strong prior remarks by a judge could create doubt about impartiality.
Kejriwal also pointed out that Justice Sharma frequently hears cases filed by agencies like the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate. He further alleged that the judge’s participation in events organised by groups linked to the RSS added to his concerns. The court has now reserved its verdict, marking a key moment in the ongoing legal battle surrounding the excise policy case.