On Monday, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court dismissed applications for her recusal in the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) appeal regarding the excise policy case involving former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia. Justice Sharma stated that allowing recusal based on mere apprehension of bias would set a troubling precedent, undermining the integrity of the judicial process. Kejriwal's argument hinged on the alleged conflict of interest due to her children's empanelment with the government, which the judge rejected, asserting that such familial ties do not inherently indicate bias. The judge emphasized that the judiciary must remain independent and not be swayed by allegations without substantial proof. Following the ruling, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) criticized Kejriwal for attempting to undermine judicial credibility, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) expressed disappointment, arguing that their concerns were not adequately addressed. The next hearings in the case are scheduled for April 29 and 30, where the CBI will present its arguments.