New Delhi: In a significant development in the Arvind Kejriwal excise policy case, former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to Justice Swarnakanta Sharma, stating that he will not appear before her court. He also made it clear that neither he nor his legal counsel would attend proceedings presided over by the judge, citing a lack of trust in receiving a fair outcome.
#ArvindKejriwal announces #Satyagraha: Says his hope for justice from Justice #SwarnakantaSharma in the #Delhiliquorpolicy case is over. He will not appear or argue before her, citing conscience & Gandhian principles. He said “Justice must not only be done but seen to be done.”… pic.twitter.com/gSW7aK6NkK
— India This Week (@indiathisweekk) April 27, 2026
Speaking on the Arvind Kejriwal excise policy case, Kejriwal said, “I have lost hope of getting justice from Justice Swarnakanta ji.” He emphasized that his decision was deeply personal and guided by his conscience. “I have taken this decision after listening to my inner conscience,” he added, while also stating his intention to follow Mahatma Gandhi’s path of satyagraha as a form of protest.
In all humility and with complete respect for judiciary, I have written the following letter to Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma, informing her that pursuing Gandhian principles of Satyagraha, it won’t be possible for me to pursue this case in her court, either in person or through a… pic.twitter.com/HmyOyNYug8
— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) April 27, 2026
“I have decided to follow Gandhi ji’s path of satyagraha,” Kejriwal reiterated.
Kejriwal to Approach Supreme Court
As part of the ongoing Arvind Kejriwal excise policy case, the AAP leader also indicated that he may approach the Supreme Court of India to challenge any adverse decisions. He said he would keep the option open to move the apex court if required.
Recusal Plea Rejected by High Court
The latest developments in the Arvind Kejriwal excise policy case come after the Delhi High Court dismissed a plea filed by Kejriwal and others seeking the recusal of Justice Sharma from hearing the matter. The court ruled that the allegations raised were not supported by evidence and were based largely on assumptions questioning the judge’s credibility.
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While delivering the judgment, Justice Sharma remarked, “When I began to pen this judgment, the courtroom had fallen silent… the question now was about the fairness of the judge and the institution itself.”
Judge Describes Situation as ‘Catch-22’
Addressing the Arvind Kejriwal excise policy case, Justice Sharma described the situation as a complex “catch-22.” She explained that stepping aside could imply that the allegations had merit, while continuing to hear the case could also attract criticism.
“Now, it is a Catch-22 situation of seeking a recusal. In this case, I have been placed in such a position where whether I recuse or do not recuse, questions will arise. The applicant has created a win-win situation for himself,” she said.
The court further clarified that claims of bias must be backed by substantial proof and not merely based on apprehensions. It stressed that judicial decisions must remain grounded in law and facts, not perceptions.
As the Arvind Kejriwal excise policy case continues to unfold, the political and legal implications of this development are expected to draw significant attention in the coming days.