Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi

New Delhi, Apr 27: Former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has written to Justice Swarnakanta Sharma stating that he will not appear before her in the ongoing excise policy case, citing lack of faith in getting a fair hearing.

In his letter, Kejriwal said neither he nor his legal counsel would attend proceedings presided over by the judge. “I have lost hope of getting justice from Justice Swarnakanta ji,” he stated, adding that the decision was guided by his “inner conscience.”

Invoking the ideals of Mahatma Gandhi, Kejriwal said he would follow the path of satyagraha as a form of protest. He also indicated that he may approach the Supreme Court of India to challenge any adverse decision.

The development comes after the Delhi High Court rejected a plea filed by Kejriwal and others seeking Justice Sharma’s recusal from the case. The court held that the allegations lacked evidence and were based on unsubstantiated claims questioning the judge’s credibility.

While delivering the order, Justice Sharma described the situation as a “Catch-22,” noting that both recusal and non-recusal would invite scrutiny. She observed that the plea had placed the court in a position where any decision could be questioned.

The judge emphasised that mere apprehension or dissatisfaction of a litigant cannot be grounds for recusal, stressing that allegations of bias must be supported by concrete evidence and that judicial decisions must be based strictly on law and facts.