Kejriwal Calls Judge’s Recusal a “Victory of Truth” in Excise Case

May 15, 2026

New Delhi: Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma has recused herself from hearing the Delhi excise policy case involving Arvind Kejriwal and other accused, marking a major development in the high-profile matter.

Following the decision, Kejriwal said that “truth has prevailed” and described the development as a victory of “Gandhiji’s Satyagraha.”

सत्य की जीत हुई।

गांधी जी के सत्याग्रह की एक बार फिर जीत हुई।

— Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) May 14, 2026

The matter will now be transferred to another bench of the Delhi High Court for further hearing.

Recusal Came After Contempt Proceedings

Before stepping aside from the main excise policy matter, Justice Sharma initiated criminal contempt proceedings against Kejriwal, former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, and several other AAP leaders over alleged defamatory and vilifying remarks made against the judge on social media and public platforms.

Justice Sharma clarified that since contempt proceedings had been initiated by her bench, she could not continue hearing the main excise policy case under legal principles governing judicial proceedings.

However, the judge also stated that she stood by her earlier order rejecting the recusal pleas filed by Kejriwal and other accused.

Kejriwal Had Earlier Sought Judge’s Recusal

Kejriwal had previously sought Justice Sharma’s recusal from the case, citing what he described as a “reasonable apprehension of bias.”

The AAP leader had personally appeared before the court and listed multiple reasons in support of his plea, alleging that certain court observations and proceedings created doubts regarding impartiality.

Justice Sharma had earlier rejected the plea, stating that judicial independence could not be questioned based on unfounded allegations.

Following the rejection of the recusal request, Kejriwal and some co-accused had reportedly decided not to appear before the bench during subsequent hearings.

Excise Policy Case Remains Politically Sensitive

The Delhi excise policy case continues to remain one of the most politically sensitive legal battles involving AAP leadership.

Investigating agencies have alleged irregularities and corruption in the now-scrapped Delhi liquor policy, while AAP leaders have repeatedly denied the allegations and accused the central government of political targeting.

Further proceedings in the matter are expected before a newly assigned bench of the Delhi High Court.