Manish Sisodia Declines to Appear Before Delhi HC in Liquor Policy Case

Manish Sisodia, the prominent leader of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), has announced that he will not attend court proceedings personally or through legal representation before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma at the Delhi High Court. This decision follows a similar declaration made by AAP Chief Arvind Kejriwal just a day earlier, as both leaders face scrutiny over the controversial liquor policy case that has embroiled their party.

The ongoing legal battle revolves around a challenge by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) against a previous trial court ruling that had dismissed charges against Sisodia, Kejriwal, and several other defendants. The situation intensified after Justice Sharma denied a request from the AAP leaders to recuse herself from the case, following concerns raised about her perceived bias. The petition highlighted Sharma’s attendance at an event hosted by an organization associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the ideological parent of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

Sisodia’s reluctance to appear before the court stems from his unresolved doubts regarding the judge’s impartiality. In a letter addressed to the judge, he expressed his alignment with Kejriwal’s sentiments from an earlier communication, stating their mutual concerns about the judicial approach taken in the case. Sisodia’s arguments included claims that Justice Sharma had consistently favored the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate in prior decisions related to the liquor policy matter.

The liquor policy, which has been the subject of significant political controversy, involves allegations of corruption that have raised questions about governance and accountability in Delhi’s administration. The AAP leaders’ refusal to engage with the judicial process at this juncture signals a growing conflict between the party and the judiciary, a situation that has significant implications for the political landscape in the national capital.

As the case progresses, it remains to be seen how this refusal to appear will impact the legal proceedings and the broader narrative surrounding the AAP’s governance. Both Sisodia and Kejriwal have maintained that they are committed to contesting these allegations vigorously, asserting that they have been targeted politically rather than facing legitimate legal scrutiny.

Source: scroll.in