The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has filed an affidavit opposing a plea from Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, and four others, seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from their appeal in the Delhi excise policy case. The plea argues that Justice Sharma's attendance at events organized by the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad (ABAP) indicates ideological bias. The CBI contends that such participation in legal seminars does not constitute valid grounds for recusal, emphasizing that the topics discussed were not political and that allegations of bias must be based on tangible evidence rather than conjecture. The affidavit also asserts that accepting recusal requests without substantial grounds could undermine judicial independence. Previously, on February 27, the trial court had discharged Kejriwal and 21 others, stating that the CBI's evidence was insufficient. The CBI is appealing this decision, claiming that the trial court ignored critical evidence. The high court has also stayed actions against the CBI's investigating officer while considering the appeal. Kejriwal's team has expressed concerns about the impartiality of the proceedings, alleging that Justice Sharma has issued ex parte directions in related cases. However, the CBI argues that the judge's mixed rulings demonstrate a lack of bias.