The Delhi High Court on Monday, April 6, took up the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in a plea filed by former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal seeking the removal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from hearing the agency’s appeal against the court’s order acquitting him and 22 others in the Delhi Excise Policy case.
Arvind Kejriwal said that he will argue the rejection application himself.
The bench further directed the CBI to file its reply by tomorrow and noted that any other party who wishes to file an application to dismiss the application may do so.
A bench headed by Justice Swaran Kanta Sharma issued a notice on Arvind Kejriwal’s plea, while the investigating agency — represented by Advocate General Tushar Mehta — argued that the plea to dismiss the plea was frivolous, vexatious, contemptuous and without merit, describing the matter as very serious for the capital.
Tushar Mehta also alleged that some individuals are making a career out of making serious allegations against institutions. He also emphasized that such allegations must be faced.
Mehta also said that if Kejriwal wants to argue in person, he must first dismiss his counsel, adding that the courtroom is “not a forum for theatrics”.
Appearing in person, Arvind Kejriwal informed the court that he had withdrawn his summons to the Supreme Court to transfer the case from Justice Sharma’s bench to another judge.
Justice Sharma took on record Arvind Kejriwal’s plea seeking her recall and listed it for hearing on April 13.
Tushar Mehta had earlier suggested that if other parties also wish to file similar pleas, they may be given a week and all such pleas should be heard together. He also emphasized that the files must be completed before the Court considers the issue of rejection.
The Supreme Court was hearing an appeal filed by the CBI challenging the trial court’s decision to acquit Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and others in the Delhi Excise Policy case.
What allegations did Kejriwal make?
Arvind Kejriwal and other accused filed a petition in the Delhi High Court. Ahead of the hearing in a Delhi court, the former chief minister and others had sought the removal of Justice Swaran Kant Sharma, citing fairness concerns based on certain observations made during earlier proceedings.
The Excise Policy case relates to alleged irregularities in the now-scrapped Delhi Excise Policy 2021-22, which is being investigated by the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate. Several AAP leaders, including Kejriwal and Sisodia, have been named as accused.
