New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has raised serious concerns over the fairness of judicial proceedings in his case, stating that his “hope of getting justice” from Justice Swarnakanta Sharma has diminished.
In a detailed 9-minute 40-second video posted on his official YouTube channel, Kejriwal described the current situation as a moral crossroads where the issue goes beyond personal victory or defeat and instead revolves around the larger question of “right and wrong.”
Kejriwal reiterated that he was allegedly implicated in a “false case,” jailed for several months, and that his elected government was “wrongfully toppled.” He pointed out that on February 27, a court had acquitted him, declaring him innocent and even raising questions on the CBI’s investigation, with directions issued for action against the investigating officer.
However, he said the matter took a turn when the CBI challenged the verdict in the High Court, where the case came up before Justice Swarnakanta Sharma. It was at this stage, he said, that doubts regarding impartiality arose in his mind.
Explaining his concerns, Kejriwal cited two key reasons. First, he referred to the judge’s past association with platforms linked to an ideological stream that his party politically opposes, raising apprehensions about ideological bias.
Second, he flagged what he termed a “conflict of interest,” alleging that both children of the judge are part of the central government’s legal panel, and that senior law officer Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who is appearing for the CBI, plays a role in assigning cases. He claimed that this situation could raise questions in the mind of any litigant about the independence of judicial decision-making.
Despite these concerns, Kejriwal asserted that he has “full faith and respect” for the judiciary, recalling that it was the same system that granted him bail and ultimately acquitted him in the case. He emphasised that his objections were not personal against the judge but rooted in the principle that “justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.”
He stated that he had formally requested Justice Sharma to recuse herself from the case, suggesting that it be heard by another judge of the High Court. However, the request was declined, with the judge deciding to continue hearing the matter.
Calling this moment “bigger than his personal case,” Kejriwal said he has chosen to follow the path of “satyagraha” inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. He announced that he would neither appear personally nor allow any lawyer to represent him before the judge in this matter.
At the same time, he clarified that he would continue to exercise his legal rights, including approaching the Supreme Court at an appropriate stage. He added that this step was not taken out of defiance, anger, or disrespect toward the judiciary, but with the intention of strengthening public trust in the justice system.
Kejriwal concluded by stating that his sole objective is to ensure that people retain unwavering faith in the country’s judicial system and believe that justice will ultimately prevail.
