Arvind Kejriwal Seeks Recusal of Delhi HC Judge Over Alleged Bias in Excise Policy Case

New Delhi, April 13, 2026: Aam Aadmi Party national convenor and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday personally argued before the Delhi High Court, seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from hearing a petition related to the Delhi excise policy case.

During the hearing, Kejriwal contended that despite being discharged in the case, the court had earlier made observations portraying the accused as “guilty” and “corrupt.”

He further argued that Justice Sharma’s participation in events linked to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and its affiliate, Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad, created a perception of bias.

“Your attending such events multiple times raises an apprehension in my mind about whether I will receive justice,” Kejriwal submitted, emphasizing that even the perception of bias is sufficient grounds for recusal.

Citing the landmark judgment in Ranjit Thakur v Union of India, Kejriwal argued that the key issue is not actual bias but whether a litigant reasonably apprehends bias.

Justice Sharma responded by stating that recusal can only be considered under specific grounds, primarily if a party believes the judge cannot deliver impartial justice.

The bench also remarked on the implications of such requests, indicating that frequent recusal demands could affect judicial functioning.

Appearing for the Central Bureau of Investigation, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta cautioned against setting a precedent where judges are routinely asked to step aside.

“If judges begin recusing on such grounds, it raises the question of whether any judge would be able to hear sensitive matters,” he argued.