Arvind Kejriwal-judge exchange in liquor policy case goes viral. Who said what?

Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal on Monday questioned judicial neutrality while seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from a CBI matter related to the Delhi liquor policy case. Calling the issue politically sensitive, he cited a "reasonable apprehension of bias," pointing to the judge’s reported participation in events organised by Adhivakta Parishad, a lawyer’s body affiliated with the RSS.

Kejriwal argued that such associations could influence perceptions of fairness, particularly given his opposition to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and the BJP.

He described the case as politically driven and stressed that justice must not only be delivered but also appear impartial. Referring to Supreme Court observations that perception is crucial in a democracy, he reiterated concerns about the independence of investigative agencies, invoking the "caged parrot" remark often associated with the CBI.

He maintained that his plea was rooted in genuine concerns over neutrality, warning that even perceived bias could erode trust in the judiciary, while the court noted his arguments on record.

WHO SAID WHAT?

Arvind Kejriwal: Your honour has been attending the programmes of a particular ideology. So, ek mere mann mein yeh bias paida hota hai (I feel a bias), there is a reasonable bias in the mind of this honourable court.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma: That I follow their ideology?

Arvind Kejriwal: Do you?

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma: No, you are saying that.

Arvind Kejriwal: No, I am not saying that. All I am saying is that you might be sympathetic, because you have attended their programme four times, you might be sympathetic to that ideology.

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma: Aapne jo argument kiya hai, main keval wo hi likhwaungi. (I will only read out the argument you have made).

Arvind Kejriwal: I have mentioned my argument. What is my argument? As I said, it has to be the mind of the litigant. You attending their programme four times gives me the impression, that by attending the programmes of that ideology four times, since I believe in the opposite ideology, will I get justice?

Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma (to court dictator): He also states that this court has attended some programmes organised by Adhivakta Parishad, which follows a particular ideology. He hasn’t defined the ideology.

KEJRIWAL'S ACQUITTAL CHALLENGED

On February 27, a trial court granted a clean chit to Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and 21 others in the liquor policy case, criticising the Central Bureau of Investigation for a weak case.

On March 9, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued notices on the CBI’s plea challenging the discharge.

During the April 6 hearing, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta opposed Kejriwal’s recusal request, terming it baseless.

- Ends

Tune In