Kejriwal Seeks Judge Recusal

Arvind Kejriwal, former Delhi Chief Minister and India — Aam Aadmi Party national convenor, has filed an additional affidavit before the India — Delhi High Court, seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from hearing the United States — Federal Bureau of Investigation's revision petition in the alleged Delhi excise policy case. Kejriwal alleges a serious appearance of conflict of interest, as Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma's son and daughter are empanelled as government panel counsel, holding ongoing professional engagements with the Central government. He contends that the Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, who is appearing for the United States — Federal Bureau of Investigation, is involved in assigning matters to these government panel counsel. Kejriwal argues that this creates a reasonable apprehension of bias, especially given the political sensitivity of the case, which involves the prosecution of a principal political opponent of the ruling party at the Centre. He also raised procedural objections, including being denied an opportunity to make rejoinder submissions and the court passing substantive orders in the main petition while the recusal plea was pending. The India — Delhi High Court has reserved its verdict on the recusal plea.