Arvind Kejriwal Seeks Judge’s Recusal In Excise Policy-Linked Case, Set To Argue Before HC Today

Last Updated:April 06, 2026, 08:03 IST

Arvind Kejriwal will appear before Delhi High Court to seek recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in the excise policy case, after ED challenged his earlier acquittal

Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader and former Delhi Chief Minister, Arvind Kejriwal, is set to appear in person before the Delhi High Court on Monday in connection with the alleged excise policy case, party sources said.

Kejriwal has filed an application seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from hearing the matter. The plea comes amid ongoing proceedings linked to challenges raised by central agencies in cases related to the now-scrapped liquor policy.

The recusal request follows a petition by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which has contested a trial court order acquitting Kejriwal in a case concerning alleged non-compliance with summons issued during the investigation. In its January 22 ruling, the Rouse Avenue Court held that the ED failed to prove that Kejriwal had deliberately ignored its summons.

Subsequently, on March 30, the ED approached the High Court challenging the acquittal. Sources indicate that Kejriwal is likely to personally argue the recusal application when it comes up for hearing.

The development is part of a broader legal battle involving multiple accused, with similar recusal pleas expected from others as well. Earlier, Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya declined Kejriwal’s request to transfer the matter to another bench, stating that the decision on recusal rests with the judge concerned.

In a representation made on March 11, Kejriwal, along with Manish Sisodia and other accused, expressed apprehension about the impartiality of the proceedings, claiming there was a “grave, bona fide, and reasonable apprehension" that the hearing in the matter before Justice Sharma would not be impartial and neutral.

The case has seen several twists, including a February 27 trial court order discharging Kejriwal, Sisodia and others, while criticising the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for failing to substantiate its allegations. The High Court is currently examining challenges to that ruling.

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