‘First Time in My Life’: Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma Reacts to Kejriwal’s Recusal Plea

April 14, 2026

New Delhi: Delhi High Court on Monday reserved its order on a plea filed by former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, in which he sought to have Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma recuse herself from hearing the case.

This matter pertains to an appeal filed by the CBI in connection with the Delhi Excise Policy case.

Notably, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) convener Kejriwal personally argued his case in court, presenting his arguments in detail.

Interesting Exchange Between Judge and Kejriwal During Hearing

Towards the conclusion of the hearing, Justice Sharma remarked to Kejriwal that he had presented a “good argument” and possessed the potential to become a lawyer. To this, Kejriwal replied that he had already found his “calling” and was content with it.

While reserving the order, the Judge observed that this was the first time in her career that anyone had sought her recusal from a case.

She stated, “I have learned a great deal about the law regarding recusal. I hope to deliver a sound verdict.”

Kejriwal Expresses Concern Over Fair Hearing

During his arguments, Kejriwal raised objections regarding Justice Sharma, noting that she typically presides over cases involving the CBI and the ED—a fact that, according to him, gave rise to apprehensions regarding the fairness of the hearing.

He submitted to the court, “I was all but declared guilty and corrupt; only the pronouncement of the sentence remained.”

Kejriwal characterized his plea as being grounded in a “genuine and grave apprehension of not receiving a fair hearing,” asserting that he possessed ten concrete grounds to support this claim.

Reference to Past Orders and Alleged Affiliations

Kejriwal further pointed out that, during previous hearings, Justice Sharma had declined to grant relief to him, Manish Sisodia, and K. Kavitha.

Furthermore, he alleged that the Judge had attended certain events associated with the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad—an organization widely regarded as ideologically aligned with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).