NEW DELHI, APRIL 15: Arvind Kejriwal has submitted an additional affidavit to the Delhi High Court, placing on record official data regarding the empanelment of Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma’s son as a central government counsel. The document argues that the high volume of cases assigned to the judge’s son by the Union government creates a direct appearance of a conflict of interest in the ongoing excise policy litigation.
According to the affidavit, the judge’s son received 1,784 case allocations in 2024 and 1,633 in 2025 under the central panel system. Kejriwal asserted that these engagements involve financial benefits and ongoing professional ties with the same government that is currently prosecuting him through the Central Bureau of Investigation.
“I respectfully submit that the continuation of the present proceedings would give rise to an immediate and direct appearance of conflict of interest,” the affidavit affirmed. Kejriwal stated that as a political opponent of the central establishment, the appearance of impartiality is essential to the fair conduct of the trial.
The filing also criticized the procedural handling of the case, claiming that the prosecution was allowed to conclude arguments without providing the defense an opportunity to respond. Kejriwal maintained that the court proceeded with orders in the main case despite the unresolved recusal request, which he noted added to his apprehensions.
The AAP convener declared that the “subsequently discovered facts” regarding the government’s legal assignments to the judge’s family member materially strengthen his original application. He stated that the legal framework overseen by senior law officers ensures a continuing engagement that necessitates the judge stepping away from the bench for this specific matter.
