On April 20, 2023, the Delhi High Court dismissed a plea by Arvind Kejriwal (chief of the Aam Aadmi Party) seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from the excise policy case. The court ruled that the allegations of bias were unfounded and did not meet the legal standard for a reasonable apprehension of bias. Justice Sharma emphasized that accepting such pleas based on mere suspicion would undermine the judicial process and institutional integrity. She noted that the allegations were based on insinuations rather than solid evidence, warning that allowing such claims could set a troubling precedent. The court also addressed concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest due to Justice Sharma's children being empaneled as Central Government counsel, stating that this alone does not imply bias unless a direct connection to the case is proven. The court highlighted that judicial functions cannot be influenced by public criticism or unfounded allegations, reinforcing the importance of judicial independence. With the recusal plea rejected, the High Court is poised to continue with the excise policy case, which involves challenges against the discharge of Kejriwal and others by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).