Kejriwal argues Delhi liquor case, seeks judge’s recusal

In the Delhi liquor case, Arvind Kejriwal alleges bias in High Court remarks as CBI opposes his plea; proceedings draw sharp legal focus

Courtroom Showdown

New Delhi: In a significant turn in the ongoing Delhi liquor case, former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Monday personally argued before the Delhi High Court, seeking the recusal of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma. The Aam Aadmi Party leader alleged that certain judicial observations appeared to prejudge him as “guilty and corrupt,” raising concerns over fairness in the proceedings.

Allegations of Bias

During the hearing, Kejriwal submitted that remarks made in court regarding witness statements created an impression of bias. He argued that such observations undermined the principle of a fair trial and indicated a preconceived view of his involvement in the case.

He further alleged that investigative agencies, including the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation, adopted coercive tactics by first arresting individuals and then recording statements implicating others.

Earlier Court Direction

The development follows an earlier hearing on April 6, when the High Court had directed the CBI to file its response and clarified that any party seeking recusal of the presiding judge could formally move an application.

Acting on that liberty, Kejriwal has now approached the court seeking transfer of the case from Justice Sharma, intensifying the legal contest in what remains a closely watched public interest story and a key India news update.

CBI Pushes Back

The CBI has opposed the plea, rejecting allegations of bias. In its affidavit, the agency stated that the judge’s participation in an event organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad does not establish any predisposition towards a particular organisation or viewpoint.

Senior law officers, including Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and Additional Solicitor General S.V. Raju, appeared for the agency and defended the integrity of the proceedings.

Trial Court Order

The High Court is currently hearing the matter after the CBI challenged a trial court order that had acquitted Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and 22 others.

The trial court had not only granted relief to all 23 accused but had also raised questions over the manner of investigation conducted by the CBI, adding another layer of scrutiny to the case.

Background of Policy

The controversy stems from the Delhi government’s excise policy introduced in 2021, aimed at reforming the liquor trade and boosting revenue. The policy was later withdrawn amid allegations of irregularities.

Following the developments, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena ordered a probe by the CBI. Both the CBI and ED have alleged that undue benefits were extended to private entities in exchange for kickbacks—claims that have been consistently denied by the accused.

Custody and Bail

Kejriwal was arrested during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and spent 156 days in custody before securing bail from the Supreme Court. Sisodia, another key accused, remained in jail for over 500 days before being granted relief.

These developments have kept the Delhi liquor case among the trending news in India, drawing sustained public and political attention.

What Lies Ahead

The High Court is expected to decide on the recusal plea in the coming hearings. Legal experts indicate that the outcome could shape the trajectory of the case, including how evidence and prior observations are treated.

As proceedings continue, the Delhi liquor case remains a critical government update within the broader national and international news landscape, with implications for political accountability and investigative processes.