Delhi High Court Judge Denies Kejriwal’s Request for Recusal in Liquor Policy Case

The Delhi High Court has ruled against a recusal request made by Arvind Kejriwal, the leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), in the ongoing investigation concerning the controversial liquor policy involving the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, presiding over the case, firmly stated that she would continue to oversee the matter, emphasizing that stepping aside would be seen as an abandonment of judicial responsibility.

On April 13, Justice Sharma had already reserved her decision regarding the case, which has attracted significant attention due to the political implications surrounding it. In her latest judgment delivered on Monday, she indicated her strong resolve to carry on with the proceedings, asserting that her role as a judge must not be influenced by the recusal application presented by Kejriwal and others.

Justice Sharma articulated her view that granting the recusal would not represent prudence, but rather an act of surrender. She further added that the application aimed at questioning the integrity of the judicial system itself, underscoring the necessity for the judiciary to remain steadfast in confronting allegations. “The strength of the judiciary lies in its unwavering commitment to adjudicate on the allegations brought before it,” she remarked.

The ongoing investigation by the CBI into the liquor policy has been a contentious issue in Delhi politics, with Kejriwal advocating for fairness in the judicial process. On April 14, he filed an affidavit requesting the judge’s recusal, raising concerns regarding a potential conflict of interest due to her children’s affiliation with the Central government. Both of her children are reportedly empanelled as counsels and have been assigned cases by the Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who is representing the CBI in this matter.

As the case continues, the next hearing is scheduled for April 29, during which the court will address outstanding replies from some of the respondents involved. This decision marks a critical juncture in the legal proceedings surrounding the liquor policy case, highlighting the intersection of law and politics in India.

Source: scroll.in