Delhi excise policy: Justice refuses to withdraw from Kejriwal's case, says 'justice doesn't bow to pressure'
Delhi excise policy: In a major setback for Arvind Kejriwal, Delhi High Court Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma on Monday refused to withdraw from the case rejecting the AAP national convenor's allegations of bias and fairness in hearing the matter.
Justice Sharma said that justice does not bow to pressure and highlighted the judiciary's importance of maintaining impartiality.
Arvind Kejriwal had requested that Justice Sharma step aside from hearing a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) petition in the liquor policy case, arguing there was a serious and reasonable concern that the proceedings might not be impartial.
However, in a strongly worded order lasting nearly 90 minutes, Justice Sharma dismissed the recusal plea, rejecting claims of bias and cautioning against efforts that could erode trust in the judiciary. “The floodgates can't be opened to sow seeds of mistrust,” she said, noting that Kejriwal had not pointed to any political remarks suggesting ideological prejudice.
“My oath is to the Constitution. My oath has taught me that justice does not bend under pressure. Justice does not yield to any pressure. I will decide and adjudicate fearlessly without any bias. I will not recuse from this case,” she said.
“There is a presumption of impartiality of a judge and a presumption of impartiality has to be rebutted by the litigant seeking recusal of a judge,” she observed.
The judge further observed that the applications filed by Kejriwal and others effectively put the judiciary itself on trial. Emphasizing judicial independence, she said she had written the order without being influenced by external factors.
Responding to concerns about her participation in events organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad (ABAP), Justice Sharma clarified that these engagements were not political in nature.
- With inputs from agencies
