Kejriwal Requests Judge’s Recusal Amid Concerns Over Family Ties to Government

In a notable development in the ongoing Delhi liquor policy case, Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has filed a new affidavit urging Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma to withdraw from the case. This plea is based on the involvement of the judge’s children, who have reportedly been empanelled as legal representatives for the Central Government.

Kejriwal’s affidavit highlights that Justice Sharma’s son and daughter, Ishaan Sharma and Shambhavi Sharma, have been appointed as counsels by the Centre and are currently handling cases assigned by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who is representing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in this matter. This situation has raised significant concerns for Kejriwal, who believes that the close ties between the judge’s family and the prosecution create an undeniable risk of bias.

The AAP chief stated in his affidavit, “The very law officer and legal establishment representing the prosecuting side before this Hon’ble Court is also part of the institutional mechanism by which Central Government cases and Government work are allocated to the immediate family members of the Hon’ble Judge hearing the matter.” This assertion underscores Kejriwal’s fears that the integrity of the judicial process could be compromised due to these familial connections.

Kejriwal’s arguments come at a time when he faces serious allegations in the liquor policy case, where the CBI is challenging his prior discharge. He emphasized in his plea that the potential for bias is not only real but also substantial, warranting Justice Sharma’s recusal from the proceedings. His concerns echo broader discussions about judicial independence and the need for impartiality in high-profile cases.

During the court proceedings on Wednesday, Kejriwal also expressed that he had not been afforded sufficient time to prepare a response to the ongoing arguments. He had been granted permission to leave the courtroom on a previous occasion as the hearing extended beyond the standard hours. As the case progresses, the implications of Kejriwal’s request for recusal could have significant impacts on the legal landscape surrounding political leaders in India.

Source: scroll.in