Delhi High Court Judge Stands Firm: No Recusal in Liquor Policy Case

Judge Refuses to Step Down from Liquor Policy Case

New Delhi: On Monday, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court declined to withdraw from the liquor policy case, dismissing requests from AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and others for her recusal.

During a lengthy session that exceeded an hour, Justice Sharma emphasized that a litigant cannot dictate a judge's actions without substantial evidence, asserting that judges should not step aside merely to appease unfounded fears of bias.

She remarked that allowing a political figure to undermine the judiciary without justification constitutes an attack on the institution itself.

Justice Sharma concluded that the arguments presented for her recusal were based on speculation and 'perceived biases'.

"This court will defend itself and the institution... I will not recuse myself," she stated firmly.

Kejriwal had raised multiple concerns regarding the judge's involvement in the case, noting her previous decisions that denied him relief related to his arrest and bail applications for other accused individuals, including Manish Sisodia and K Kavitha.

In addition to Kejriwal, AAP leaders Sisodia and Durgesh Pathak also filed requests for the judge's recusal.

Other respondents, such as Vijay Nair and Arun Ramchandra Pillai, joined in seeking her withdrawal.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta represented the CBI in court, opposing the recusal plea and previously suggesting that Justice Sharma consider contempt proceedings against Kejriwal and others for their requests.

On February 27, the trial court had discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia, and others in the Delhi liquor policy case, stating that the CBI's case lacked the necessary foundation to withstand judicial examination and was entirely discredited.