The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has opposed the plea filed by former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other accused seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from hearing matters related to the alleged liquor policy case.
In its response before the Delhi High Court, the agency stated that attending a legal seminar organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad does not indicate any ideological bias or association. The CBI argued that such events are routinely attended by members of the judiciary, including judges of the Supreme Court of India.
The agency termed the allegations made by Kejriwal and others as “unscrupulous” and “baseless,” asserting that they were an attempt to undermine the authority of the judiciary and interfere with the administration of justice. It further stated that such claims could amount to contempt of court.
Kejriwal, along with AAP leaders Manish Sisodia and Durgesh Pathak, had sought the judge’s recusal citing apprehensions regarding impartiality. The plea also pointed out that Justice Sharma had earlier ruled against the accused in related proceedings.
Rejecting these grounds, the CBI maintained that judicial decisions cannot be used as a basis to allege bias and described the recusal request as an instance of “forum shopping.” It emphasized that the judge was assigned the roster for cases involving MPs and MLAs by the Chief Justice, which cannot be altered merely on the request of an accused.
The agency also warned that accepting such arguments would set a dangerous precedent, potentially forcing multiple judges to recuse themselves in politically sensitive cases. It stressed that recusal must remain an exception and be exercised cautiously to safeguard judicial independence.
The matter is scheduled for further hearing on April 13.
