Delhi High Court Allows Kejriwal to Submit Written Arguments in CBI Case

Court Proceedings Involving Arvind Kejriwal

On Monday, the Delhi High Court granted permission to Arvind Kejriwal, the Aam Aadmi Party leader, to present his written arguments regarding the CBI's claims related to the alleged liquor policy scandal. Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma remarked that she was making an exception for Kejriwal, stating, "So that he does not feel unheard tomorrow." The judge was expected to announce a decision at 2:30 PM on whether the court would recuse itself from hearing the CBI's petition, which challenges a trial court's decision to acquit 23 accused individuals in the excise case back in February.

However, following Kejriwal's submission of new arguments, the court postponed its decision until 4:30 PM. While reserving its judgment on the recusal aspect, the court noted that it was officially recording Kejriwal's responses as written arguments, ensuring he felt his voice was acknowledged. Despite this, the court had previously clarified that no further debates would occur on this matter.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed the inclusion of Kejriwal's new application, emphasizing to the court, "I want to make it absolutely clear: in any court across the country—whether it be a trial court, high court, or supreme court—once a decision is reserved on a case, no new arguments or documents are accepted thereafter. This is a rule uniformly followed everywhere... perhaps no other 'common man' would have received such a privilege... In any court in the country, once a decision is reserved, there is no procedure for filing a rejoinder. This is going beyond the limits... It is evident that a lawyer prepared his affidavit."

The court allowed Kejriwal to file an additional affidavit, specifically highlighting concerns about potential bias due to a 'conflict of interest,' as two of Justice Sharma's children are part of the government lawyers' panel. On the same day, the CBI submitted its written arguments, refuting Kejriwal's claims.