New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief and ex-Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday moved a recusal application before the Delhi High Court, seeking the withdrawal of Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma from hearing a case related to the excise policy irregularities.
According to party sources, Kejriwal is likely to argue the matter himself before the court during the hearing scheduled for Monday.
The development comes in connection with a petition filed by the CBI, challenging a trial court order that had earlier discharged Kejriwal and several others in the case. The Delhi High Court had previously granted time to the respondents to file their replies, and the matter was listed on April 6.
Earlier, Kejriwal had also approached the Chief Justice of the HC seeking transfer of the case to another bench. But it was not accepted. Following this, the AAP leader pursued legal remedies.
Reacting to the recusal plea, political reactions also emerged, with the Bharatiya Janata Party criticising the move and alleging that it reflected disregard for judicial processes.
The excise policy case has remained a politically significant legal battle involving senior AAP leaders.
