During a session at the Delhi High Court, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma complimented former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on his effective arguments while he requested her withdrawal from the excise policy case. The judge remarked that his skills could suit a career in law.
Kejriwal replied that he was content with his current role.
After Kejriwal finished his extended presentation on his recusal request in the CBI’s challenge to the trial court’s acquittal of him and others in the excise policy matter, Justice Sharma stated, ‘You presented your case effectively. You could pursue law as a profession.’
The ex-tax official noted his satisfaction with his existing position, prompting senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, representing AAP’s Manish Sisodia, to jokingly ask him not to increase competition in the field.
The proceedings began at 2:30 PM and continued until approximately 7 PM. The court deferred its decision on the recusal after listening to all sides.
Kejriwal voiced multiple concerns about the judge handling the CBI’s appeal, such as her prior denial of his challenge to his arrest, rejection of bail for co-accused like Manish Sisodia and K Kavitha, and issuance of firm conclusions.
He claimed, ‘I was essentially labeled guilty and corrupt. Only the punishment remained to be announced.’
This was not the initial time the AAP head personally addressed the court.
On March 28, 2024, during an extension of his detention by the Enforcement Directorate in a connected matter, Kejriwal spoke directly to the trial judge, inquiring if sufficient evidence justified detaining an incumbent chief minister. The judge allowed his oral input despite legal representation.
On February 27, the trial court acquitted Kejriwal, Sisodia, and 21 others, criticizing the CBI’s case as entirely flawed and unworthy of further review.
On March 9, Justice Sharma notified all 23 acquitted individuals regarding the CBI’s appeal against their release, indicating that some trial court observations seemed incorrect at first glance and required examination.
She also halted the trial court’s suggestion to pursue internal measures against the CBI investigator in the excise policy investigation.
(Aside from the title, this report remains unedited by NDTV personnel and originates from a syndicated source.)
