Delhi High Court to Appoint Amici Curiae for AAP Leaders in Liquor Policy Case

The Delhi High Court has announced its decision to appoint three senior lawyers as amici curiae to represent prominent Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Durgesh Pathak. This decision comes as the court hears a petition filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the trial court’s earlier order that had discharged these leaders along with several others from the liquor policy case.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma made the announcement during a court session on Tuesday, stating that the appointed amici curiae will aid in navigating the complexities of the case. This development follows a recent boycott of the proceedings by Kejriwal, Sisodia, and Pathak, who expressed concerns regarding the impartiality of the judicial process. The lawyers will be formally appointed at the next hearing scheduled for Friday.

An amicus curiae, which translates to ‘friend of the court’, serves as an independent legal advisor, particularly in intricate legal matters or public interest cases where a party may not have legal representation. The role is crucial in ensuring that the court receives balanced perspectives, especially given the high stakes involved in this case.

The background of the case is steeped in political controversy. The AAP leaders have previously raised issues regarding Justice Sharma’s objectivity, citing her participation in an event associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Their concerns were compounded by the perception that the judge has frequently issued rulings favoring the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate, which have been pivotal in the ongoing investigations.

On April 20, Justice Sharma dismissed a petition from the AAP leaders requesting her recusal from the case, stating that she would proceed with the hearings. The liquor policy case has gained considerable attention, not only due to the serious allegations it involves but also its implications for the political landscape in Delhi. As the situation unfolds, the appointment of the amici curiae is expected to bring a new dynamic to the proceedings, providing a legal framework within which the AAP leaders can defend their positions.

Source: scroll.in