Delhi liquor policy case: Kejriwal to argue own case, seeks Justice Sharma’s recusal

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Apr 6, 2026: After West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is set to argue his own case in the Delhi High Court on Monday, seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from hearing an appeal in the liquor policy case.

Kejriwal and others, including former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, had earlier written to Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya requesting that the CBI’s appeal against their discharge be transferred from Justice Sharma’s bench to an “impartial bench.” However, the request was declined.

According to AAP, Kejriwal and the other accused—who were discharged by a special court in the case—have now formally moved an application seeking Justice Sharma’s recusal. Kejriwal will personally present arguments in the matter.

This marks the second recent instance of a senior political leader appearing in court to argue their own case, after Mamata Banerjee did so before the Supreme Court in a matter related to the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls in West Bengal.

In February, a special court discharged Kejriwal and others, sharply criticising the CBI, stating that its case failed to withstand judicial scrutiny and stood entirely discredited.

In their earlier letter, Kejriwal and others alleged “bias” and sought transfer of the case to ensure a fair hearing and maintain public confidence in the judicial process. They claimed that several orders passed by Justice Sharma in the matter had been overturned by the Supreme Court, raising concerns about impartiality.

They further argued that their request was based on a “serious and genuine concern” that the case may not receive a completely impartial hearing.

The letter also noted that the CBI’s appeal, spanning around 50 pages, did not point out specific errors in the trial court’s findings or evidence to justify overturning the discharge order.

It further alleged that the High Court issued notice and expressed a prima facie view that the trial court’s detailed order was erroneous without hearing the discharged accused.

Additionally, the High Court stayed certain observations and directions issued by the trial court against the investigating officer, including those related to possible departmental action, even though the CBI had sought only limited relief.

Manish Sisodia clarified that the request for transfer was not based on any personal allegation against the judge, but on the legal principle that courts must also consider whether circumstances could lead a reasonable person to perceive a possibility of bias.