Kejriwal refuses to appear before HC judge in excise case after recusal plea rejected

Former Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal has said he will not appear before the Delhi High Court judge hearing a plea linked to the excise policy case, days after his request seeking the judge’s withdrawal from the matter was rejected.

In a letter addressed to Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, Kejriwal said he had lost faith in the court’s ability to deliver justice. He stated that he would not participate in the proceedings, either personally or through legal representation.

The development follows the court’s decision to dismiss Kejriwal’s plea seeking the judge’s recusal from the case. The AAP leader had alleged a conflict of interest, pointing to professional links between the judge’s family members and the government’s legal representatives.

Kejriwal said his decision was guided by his “conscience” and framed it as a form of protest based on Gandhian principles. He also indicated that he retains the option to approach the Supreme Court against the decision.

Legal experts have cautioned that non-appearance in such proceedings could have consequences. Under legal provisions, failure to comply with court directions may lead to the issuance of warrants to secure attendance.

The case is linked to Delhi government’s now-scrapped excise policy for 2021–22, which was investigated over alleged irregularities in the framing and implementation of liquor licensing rules. While a trial court earlier discharged Kejriwal and others in the matter, saying there was insufficient ground to proceed, the decision is under challenge before the High Court.