NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court on Monday issued notice on a recusal application filed by AAP National Convenor Arvind Kejriwal, who appeared in person and sought that the matter relating to the alleged excise policy case be heard by a Bench other than that of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma.
The development came during the hearing of a plea filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging a trial court order discharging Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and other accused in the corruption case linked to the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021–22.
At the outset, Kejriwal submitted before the Delhi High Court that he had filed an application seeking the recusal of Justice Sharma and requested that it be taken on record.
Appearing in person, the former Delhi Chief Minister said he wished to avail his legal right to argue the matter himself.
Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta, appearing for the CBI, strongly objected to the recusal plea, terming the allegations “baseless” and “contemptuous”.
“Some people in this country make a career out of making allegations. This is for the first time that this respondent has made baseless allegations against this august institution. It’s not only frivolous and vexatious, but it’s contemptuous also, ” SG Mehta submitted.
The Centre’s second-highest law officer added that while the probe agency had no objection to Kejriwal appearing and arguing in person, he could not adopt a “hybrid” approach. “If Mr Kejriwal wants to appear personally, he will have to continue to appear personally. He cannot come once in the court for pure theatrics and thereafter let his lawyer argue. This forum is not for theatrics, ” SG Mehta argued.
He also highlighted that, except for a few respondents, most respondents — including Kejriwal — had failed to file their replies despite earlier directions of the Delhi High Court, and cautioned that if the recusal pleas were ultimately rejected, it should invite contempt proceedings.