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Delhi HC judge Swarana Kanta Sharma refuses Kejriwal recusal in liquor policy case; says recusal must stem from law
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma refused Arvind Kejriwal's plea to recuse from hearing the Delhi Excise Policy case, stating recusal must arise from law, not narrative. The ruling follows a prior rejection of Kejriwal's bid to transfer the case, and the underlying matter involves the CBI-challenged discharge of Kejriwal, SISODIA, and others in the policy case.
Why It Matters
The ruling highlights how judicial impartiality standards are anchored in legal grounds rather than external narratives, impacting how high-stakes political litigation is managed in Delhi.
Timeline
3 Events
April 20, 2026: HC rules on recusal plea; Justice Sharma refuses to recuse
April 20, 2026
In response to a hearing on Kejriwal's plea seeking recusal, Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma stated that recusal must stem from law and not from narrative, calling the decision a defining moment for the court, and refused to recuse from hearing the Delhi Excise Policy case.
March 2026: High Court rejects Kejriwal's transfer plea in liquor policy case
March 2026
The Delhi High Court rejected Arvind Kejriwal's plea to transfer the liquor policy case earlier, setting the stage for the recusal plea before Justice Sharma.
Feb 27, 2026: Trial court discharges Kejriwal, Sisodia and 22 others in Delhi Excise Policy case
February 27, 2026
The trial court discharged Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and 22 others in the Delhi Excise Policy case; the CBI has challenged the discharge.