The Delhi High Court is currently hearing a plea by Arvind Kejriwal seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from the excise policy case.

Kejriwal, who argued the matter himself, told the Court that he has a “reasonable apprehension of bias” and fears he may not get a fair hearing. However, he also made it clear that he has full respect for the judiciary.

To support his request, Kejriwal referred to a 2022 decision of the Delhi High Court where the Enforcement Directorate (ED) was allowed to seek a change of judge in a related case involving AAP leader Satyender Jain. He argued that if such a request was accepted in that case, his plea deserves equal consideration—especially since, according to him, his case is even stronger.

The matter is linked to the Delhi excise policy case, where a trial court had earlier discharged Kejriwal and other accused. The CBI later challenged that discharge before the High Court, and the case is currently being heard by Justice Sharma.

Kejriwal has specifically asked Justice Sharma to step aside from hearing the case, stating that his concerns are genuine and based on past developments in court proceedings.

The High Court is now considering his request, and a decision on whether the judge will recuse herself is awaited.