Kejriwal Declines to Appear Before Delhi High Court, Citing Distrust in Judge
‘Hopes Shattered’: Kejriwal Refuses To Appear Before Justice Swarana Kanta After Recusal Plea Rejected
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Arvind Kejriwal, former Chief Minister of Delhi and leader of the Aam Aadmi Party, has refused to appear before the Delhi High Court in the excise policy case, citing a lack of faith in Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma. He plans to follow a path of protest inspired by Mahatma Gandhi after his plea for the judge's recusal was denied.
- 01Kejriwal expressed deep distrust in Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, leading to his refusal to appear in court.
- 02He plans to follow Gandhian principles of Satyagraha in his protest against the judiciary.
- 03The Delhi High Court rejected Kejriwal's recusal petition, emphasizing judicial independence.
- 04Justice Sharma asserted her commitment to impartiality and denied any bias in her ruling.
- 05Kejriwal retains the option to appeal to the Supreme Court regarding the case.
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Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister of Delhi and national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has decided not to appear before the Delhi High Court in the ongoing excise policy case, citing a loss of faith in Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma. In a letter to the judge, Kejriwal stated that he would follow the principles of Satyagraha, inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, as he believes he cannot receive justice from her. This decision follows the High Court's rejection of his petition for Justice Sharma's recusal, which he claimed was necessary due to her alleged bias in handling related matters. Justice Sharma firmly rejected these allegations, emphasizing her commitment to impartiality and the independence of the judiciary. She stated that justice must not yield to pressure and that she would adjudicate without bias. Kejriwal's allegations included concerns over Justice Sharma's past conduct and her participation in events linked to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Despite his protest, he has left open the possibility of appealing to the Supreme Court if necessary.
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Kejriwal's refusal to engage with the court could prolong the excise policy case, affecting political dynamics and public trust in the judicial process.
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