New Delhi: In a major setback to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi High Court has rejected his plea seeking transfer of the excise policy (liquor case) hearing from Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma.
Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma dismissed the petition and refused to recuse herself from the case, asserting that justice must remain impartial and fearless. She stated that she would continue to hear the matter and deliver judgment without any bias.
Kejriwal had argued in his petition that there were apprehensions regarding the judge’s impartiality, citing alleged associations. During the hearing, he personally presented his arguments before the court. However, the judge ruled that such claims were unfounded and did not warrant her withdrawal from the case.
In her observations, Justice Sharma noted that allowing such pleas could set a wrong precedent, where litigants might attempt to change judges based on unfounded allegations. She emphasised that in her 34 years of judicial service, no allegations of bias had ever been proven against her.
The court also highlighted that recusal in such circumstances would create a “win-win situation” for the petitioner—either reinforcing allegations if the judge steps aside or questioning the verdict if she continues. The judge made it clear that such considerations would not influence the judicial process.
Earlier, investigating agencies had also opposed the plea, stating that permitting such requests would encourage misuse of the legal system.
With the plea dismissed, the case will continue to be heard by Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma, with further proceedings expected in the coming days.
