Delhi High Court to Hear Arvind Kejriwal's Recusal Plea on April 13

Original: Excise policy case: Arvind Kejriwal’s plea seeking HC judge’s recusal taken on record, hearing set for April 13

The Economic Times•Apr 6, 20263 min

In a Nutshell

The Delhi High Court will hear former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's plea for Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma's recusal from the excise policy case on April 13. The CBI opposes the plea, labeling it as frivolous, while the case involves alleged irregularities in Delhi's Excise Policy 2021–22.

Key Points

01Arvind Kejriwal seeks the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from the excise policy case.
02The CBI has described Kejriwal's allegations as frivolous and contemptuous.
03The High Court will hear the plea on April 13.
04The case involves alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Excise Policy 2021–22.
05Kejriwal and others were previously discharged by a trial court, but the CBI is appealing this decision.

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Full Summary

The Delhi High Court has scheduled a hearing for April 13 regarding a plea from former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who is requesting the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from the ongoing excise policy case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), represented by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, has strongly opposed Kejriwal's request, labeling the allegations as 'frivolous and contemptuous.' Justice Sharma has accepted the recusal application and will consider it during the upcoming hearing. The case revolves around alleged irregularities in the formulation and implementation of Delhi's Excise Policy 2021–22, which has been under investigation by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate. Earlier, the trial court had discharged Kejriwal, along with 21 others, citing insufficient evidence. However, the CBI is appealing this decision, arguing that the trial court's discharge order is an 'exception order' that should not stand. Kejriwal, who arrived at the court accompanied by his wife, has refrained from commenting on the matter as it is sub judice.

Key Figures

21

Number of individuals discharged by the trial court including Kejriwal

500

Pages in the discharge order that Kejriwal's counsel needs to review

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Why It Matters

The outcome of this case could affect the political landscape in Delhi and the integrity of governance related to the excise policy.

Who is affected

Delhi residents and political stakeholders

What to know

Citizens should stay informed about the developments in this high-profile case as it may influence local governance.

FAQ

Kejriwal cites a 'grave, bona fide and reasonable apprehension' regarding the impartiality of Justice Sharma.

The case involves alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Excise Policy 2021–22 and is currently under investigation by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate.

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