Kejriwal Seeks SC Hearing on Excise Case Transfer Plea

March 16, 2026

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal is set to approach the Supreme Court of India seeking an urgent listing of his plea to transfer the Delhi excise policy case from the court of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma.

According to legal sources, Kejriwal’s legal team intends to request the apex court to take up the matter at the earliest, arguing that the case should be reassigned to another bench. The move comes amid ongoing legal proceedings related to the controversial excise policy implemented by the Delhi government.

The petition seeks the intervention of the Supreme Court to ensure a fair and impartial hearing of the case.

Background of the Excise Policy Case

The controversy revolves around the Delhi government’s excise policy introduced in 2021, which was aimed at reforming the liquor sales system in the national capital.

However, the policy later came under scrutiny after allegations of irregularities and corruption surfaced. Following these allegations, the matter was investigated by agencies including the Central Bureau of Investigation and the Enforcement Directorate.

Several political leaders and officials have been questioned or investigated as part of the probe. The issue has also triggered intense political debates between the ruling Aam Aadmi Party and opposition parties.

Plea Seeks Transfer of Case

The petition filed by Arvind Kejriwal requests that the case currently being heard by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma be transferred to another judge.

Legal representatives argue that transferring the case would help ensure transparency and maintain public confidence in the judicial process. They have urged the Supreme Court to list the matter urgently so that the issue can be addressed without delay.

The final decision on whether to accept the plea will rest with the apex court.

Political Reactions and Debate

The excise policy case has become a major political issue in recent years. Leaders from different political parties have expressed sharply contrasting views on the investigation and the legal proceedings.

Supporters of the Delhi government argue that the case is politically motivated, while critics claim that the investigation is necessary to examine alleged irregularities in the policy’s implementation.

The developments surrounding the case continue to attract national attention, as it involves high-profile political figures and a significant policy decision.

Supreme Court’s Role in the Matter

The Supreme Court of India has the authority to transfer cases between courts or judges when necessary to ensure justice and fairness in legal proceedings.

If the court agrees to urgently hear the plea, it will examine the arguments presented by both sides before deciding whether the case should be reassigned.

Legal experts say the outcome of this petition could influence the future course of the excise policy case and the ongoing investigations related to it.

Awaiting Court’s Decision

For now, attention is focused on whether the Supreme Court will agree to list the plea urgently. The decision will determine the next step in the legal battle surrounding the Delhi excise policy.

As the matter unfolds, it is expected to remain a significant development in India’s political and legal landscape, with implications for both governance and judicial proceedings.