New Delhi: In an unprecedented move, Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal announced on Monday that he will no longer participate in the Delhi excise policy case hearings before High Court Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma. In a detailed letter addressed to the judge, the former Delhi Chief Minister stated he would appear neither in person nor through legal counsel, citing a “voice of conscience” and a belief that he can no longer receive an impartial hearing in her court.
The decision follows the High Court’s dismissal of Kejriwal’s recusal plea on April 20, in which he had requested Justice Sharma to step away from the case. Reflecting on that order, Kejriwal wrote that his “well-grounded apprehensions” regarding judicial impartiality remain. He expressed pain that his legal concerns were perceived by the court as a personal attack on the judge or an assault on the institution itself, rather than a legitimate inquiry into potential conflicts of interest.
Core Allegations in the Letter
Kejriwal’s letter reiterated several contentious points previously raised in his recusal application:
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Ideological Association: He pointed to the judge’s alleged public associations with the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad, which he described as part of the ruling party’s “ideological ecosystem.”
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Conflict of Interest: He raised what he termed a “far more serious issue” involving the judge’s children, who are reportedly empanelled as lawyers for the Union Government. Kejriwal cited RTI data claiming one child handled over 5,900 dockets between 2023 and 2025, which he argued translates into substantial financial remuneration from the very government pursuing the case against him.
Invoking the Gandhian principle of Satyagraha, the AAP leader stated he is prepared to face any legal prejudice or consequences resulting from his non-participation. He clarified that his stance is not a rejection of the judiciary as a whole, noting that his “faith in the Constitution remains unwavering.” However, he questioned whether an ordinary citizen could believe a bench could rule against the Union Government in such a politically sensitive matter given the alleged ties.
While Kejriwal has withdrawn from these specific proceedings, he reserved the right to challenge the recent recusal order before the Supreme Court. He requested that his letter be taken on record and that the High Court proceed with the matter as it deems fit in his absence.
