New Delhi: Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal urged the Delhi High Court on Thursday, April 16, 2026, to take on record an additional affidavit alleging that Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma has a “direct conflict of interest” in the excise policy case. Appearing virtually, Kejriwal claimed that the judge’s children are empanelled as central government lawyers and receive substantial legal work through the Solicitor General, who represents the CBI in this matter. Justice Sharma directed the registry to take the affidavit on record but clarified that she would not be reopening the hearing after having already reserved her verdict on Kejriwal’s recusal application.
The additional affidavit, dated April 14, relies on documents obtained through the Right to Information (RTI) Act to allege that a significant volume of cases was allocated to the judge’s son over the past three years. According to the submission, the son was marked 2,487 cases in 2023, 1,784 in 2024, and 1,633 in 2025. Kejriwal argued that these financial and professional ties to the central government compromise the “appearance of judicial detachment and neutrality” required by law. He further requested additional time for oral submissions, emphasizing that these material facts only came to his attention after the initial recusal plea was filed.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, vehemently opposed the claims, describing them as “apprehensions of an immature mind” and urging the court to initiate contempt proceedings. Mehta argued that recusing on such “unfounded allegations” would set a dangerous precedent and undermine institutional respect. The legal battle follows a February 27 trial court order that discharged Kejriwal and others, a decision the CBI is currently challenging. While the High Court has reserved its judgment on whether Justice Sharma should continue hearing the CBI’s petition, the latest allegations have added a new layer of friction to the high-profile case.
