Delhi Liquor Policy Case: Arvind Kejriwal Seeks Recusal of High Court Judge Over Alleged Bias Arvind Kejriwal, the former Chief Minister of Delhi, has formally requested the Delhi High Court to recuse Justice Swaran Kanta Sharma from the ongoing liquor policy case, citing perceived bias and procedural irregularities. The plea, which outlines 10 reasons, has sparked significant legal and political debate, with Kejriwal accusing the judge of favoring the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its affiliated organizations. Timeline of Events The case traces back to 2021, when Kejriwal’s government introduced the Delhi Liquor Policy to reform the state’s alcohol trade. The policy aimed to curb black-market activities and increase revenue for the government. However, it faced allegations of corruption and favoritism, leading to a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe. In February 2024, the trial court acquitted Kejriwal and 22 other accused, including his former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, on charges of corruption and misuse of power. The CBI challenged the trial court’s verdict, and the Delhi High Court took up the case. On March 9, Justice Sharma dismissed the trial court’s order, citing “improper” remarks against CBI officials. The judge also imposed a stay on the trial court’s recommendation to initiate disciplinary action against the CBI’s investigating officer. Kejriwal’s 10 Reasons for Recusal Kejriwal’s petition to the High Court outlines 10 grounds for the judge’s recusal, including: Association with RSS-linked organizations: Kejriwal alleges that Justice Sharma has participated in events organized by the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing group, raising concerns about impartiality.#bharatiya_janata_party #delhi_high_court #arvind_kejriwal #rashtriya_swayamsevak_sangh #swaran_kanta_sharma
