Arvind Kejriwal to Represent Himself in Delhi Excise Policy Case

Legal Battle Takes a New Turn

The legal proceedings surrounding the Delhi Excise Policy have reached an intriguing phase. Former Chief Minister of Delhi and national convenor of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), Arvind Kejriwal, is set to present his arguments in the Delhi High Court today. Alongside him, Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia have filed a request for the recusal of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma, expressing their lack of confidence in her bench.

Kejriwal Takes the Stand

According to the legal team of the Aam Aadmi Party, Kejriwal will personally appear in court today. This is not the first instance of him advocating for himself, but his arguments against a petition filed by the CBI, which seeks to overturn his acquittal, are considered particularly significant.

Objection to Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma

Kejriwal and Sisodia have reached out to the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, requesting that this case be transferred from Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma's bench to another court. Their legal team argues that for the sake of justice, the case should be heard by a different bench.

ED's Petition and Court's Warning

Meanwhile, in relation to a petition from the Enforcement Directorate (ED), Kejriwal and Sisodia have been granted an extension of over two weeks to submit their responses. The High Court has set a final deadline for them to file their replies by April 22, 2026. The ED's petition pertains to the removal of certain 'unnecessary comments' made by a special CBI-ED court regarding the investigative agencies. In its application, the ED contends that the lower court's remarks were irrelevant to the CBI case and made without hearing the agency, further arguing that these comments violate principles of natural justice and have caused irreparable harm to its credibility.

Next Steps in the Case

The High Court has also warned that failure to respond to its notice could result in a reduction of the defendants' rights in this matter. The next hearing is scheduled for April 22. Previously, a special CBI-ED court had acquitted Kejriwal, Sisodia, and others due to lack of sufficient evidence, a decision that the CBI has challenged in the High Court.