NEW DELHI, APRIL 27 — Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has informed the Delhi High Court that he will not participate in upcoming hearings related to the CBI’s challenge in the excise policy case. In a written communication to Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, Kejriwal affirmed that he has “lost hope of getting justice” from her bench and has decided to cease all legal representation in her courtroom.
The move marks a rare direct confrontation between a high-profile politician and the judiciary. Kejriwal declared that his decision was not an act of resentment but a choice guided by his “inner voice” and Gandhian principles. He stated that the rejection of his earlier recusal application—and the court’s characterization of it as an “assault on the institution”—made it impossible for him to believe an impartial hearing was still possible.
The letter outlined specific grievances, including the judge’s alleged associations with the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad (ABAP), an organization Kejriwal maintained is ideologically aligned with the ruling party at the Centre. He also affirmed that the professional empanelment of the judge’s children with the Union of India represents a demonstrable conflict of interest. “How can an ordinary citizen believe that this bench can rule against the Union government?” he stated in the letter.
Legal experts noted that the refusal to appear could lead to the issuance of warrants to compel his presence. However, Kejriwal maintained that the fundamental principle that “justice must not only be done, but seen to be done” has been compromised. He affirmed that he will pursue further legal remedies through the Supreme Court while requesting the High Court to record his letter as part of the official case file.
