New Delhi: Arvind Kejriwal, national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party and former Delhi chief minister, has written to Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma stating he will not participate in proceedings related to the excise policy case.
Refusal after recusal plea rejected
The move comes after the Delhi High Court on April 20 rejected Kejriwal’s plea seeking the judge’s recusal from the case. In his letter, Kejriwal said his “conscience” does not allow him to be part of proceedings where he does not expect impartial justice.
He clarified that the decision was not out of anger but stemmed from “faith in the judiciary and humility,” adding that his concerns now appear to have been taken as personal allegations.
Cites conflict of interest, ideological links
Kejriwal raised two key concerns in his letter. He referred to the judge’s alleged public association with Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad, which he claimed is ideologically aligned with the ruling establishment.
He also flagged a potential conflict of interest, alleging that the judge’s children are empanelled as lawyers with the central government and are receiving cases from the Central Bureau of Investigation, which is a party in the case.
Invokes Gandhian stance, may move Supreme Court
Invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of satyagraha, Kejriwal said he is ready to face the consequences of his stand. He announced that neither he nor his legal representatives will appear in the matter going forward.
However, he maintained respect for the judiciary and the Constitution, and said he reserves the right to challenge the matter before the Supreme Court of India.
