Arvind Kejriwal NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Monday heard the CBI’s plea challenging the discharge of former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and others in the alleged excise policy case. The matter has now been listed for April 13.Kejriwal, accompanied by his wife, appeared in court and informed the bench that he intends to argue his recusal application personally. A bench of Justices Swarana Kanta Sharma heard the matter.During proceedings, the bench clarified that a petitioner could only argue in person after discharging their counsel. The bench asked Kejriwal, “You will argue your case yourself?” He confirmed, “I will argue this case myself. I will avail my legal rights. As of now, I have not issued my vakalatnama to anyone.Kejriwal told the court, “I’ve filed a recusal application. Please take it on record.” Explaining procedural constraints, he added that as a petitioner representing himself, he could not e-file the application and requested the court to accept the hard copy, according to Bar and bench. “I will argue this application myself and exercise my legal rights thereafter,” he said.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, objected to Kejriwal arguing in person without discharging his counsel.“I have no objection to him appearing personally, but he has already engaged a lawyer. Unless he discharges his counsel, he cannot argue himself—if he chooses to appear, only he should represent the case going forward. This forum is not for theatrics,” Mehta said.He also flagged concerns about multiple recusal applications and repeated allegations against the judiciary.“Some people make a career out of making allegations. These are not just personal claims; they target an institution. This is something very serious that has happened in the capital of this country,” he said, referring to the multiple recusal applications filed in the case.Kejriwal insisted that he is following the high court procedure. “I filed the recusal application as per the High Court procedure. A petitioner appearing in person cannot e-file, so your lordships may kindly take it on record,” he said.The court has issued notice to the CBI on Kejriwal’s plea seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma. The bench clarified that any other party wishing to file a recusal application may do so.Background of the excise policy caseThe excise policy case revolves around allegations of irregularities in Delhi’s liquor licensing process during Kejriwal’s tenure as chief minister. Several former officials, including Kejriwal, were initially discharged by the trial court, a decision challenged by the CBI.On March 11, Kejriwal and other former accused moved a representation seeking reassignment of the case to another judge, citing a “grave, bona fide and reasonable apprehension” that the hearing would not be impartial.Earlier, the high court had given Kejriwal and others a final opportunity to file their stance on a plea by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which sought to remove ‘unwarranted remarks’ made against it by the trial court while discharging the accused in the case.About the AuthorTOI News DeskThe TOI News Desk comprises a dedicated and tireless team of journalists who operate around the clock to deliver the most current and comprehensive news and updates to the readers of The Times of India worldwide. With an unwavering commitment to excellence in journalism, our team is at the forefront of gathering, verifying, and presenting breaking news, in-depth analysis, and insightful reports on a wide range of topics. The TOI News Desk is your trusted source for staying informed and connected to the ever-evolving global landscape, ensuring that our readers are equipped with the latest developments that matter most.”Read MoreEnd of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosMumbai Arrests Expose Toy Bomb Terror Plot, Pan-India Sweep Uncovers Radical ModuleIndia’s Kandla Port Breaks All Records At 160 MMT Cargo Despite West Asia Crisis, Aims Bigger TargetBJP MP Trivedi Slams Kharge, Accuses Congress of Dividing India Over Regional LinesIran Envoy Backs India’s ‘Strong Diplomacy’, Sees Delhi As Key Mediator As Ships Cross Hormuz SafelyGreen Asha Navigates Strait Of Hormuz Safely, Only One LPG Vessel RemainsIran FM Araghchi Calls Jaishankar As Hormuz Tensions SpikeDRDO Begins Work On Next-Generation Missile To Replace Prithvi Series : Reports“Adani Is BJP’s Financial Structure”: Rahul Gandhi Tears Into PM ModiPakistan To Return $3.5 Billion UAE Debt In April Despite Reserve StrainOil India Posts Record Crude Output From Rajasthan’s Thar Desert Amid West Asia Crisis123PhotostoriesFrom a net worth of approximately Rs 40 crore to a luxurious home: Karishma Tanna’s lavish lifestyleMohammed Shami’s over 15 crore farmhouse in Amroha, Uttar Pradesh is all about mango orchards, cricket practice pitches and countryside livingWhy should you keep peacock feathers at home; know the benefitsBengaluru Metro to build 250 metre long elevated walkway at Silk Board linking Yellow and Blue Lines with travelator5 simple steps to change anything in your life (That actually work)Artemis II images: NASA releases stunning space images shot on iPhone 17 Pro Max from orbit5 Auspicious plants in Hindu culture that attract good fortune7 foods that can give you 20g of protein without chicken or protein powder”I thought I was healthy,” until a routine test revealed early liver damage: Warning signs people miss and simple changes that helped reverse itTop 10 high-fibre foods that aren’t vegetables123Hot PicksSophie CunninghamUpdated IPL Points TableStephen Curry MomSilver Rate TodayHow to Watch KKR vs PBKSPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingVenus WilliamsAsian Stocks TodayStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Bengaluru Fake IPL ticketVijayIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news
NEW DELHI: The Delhi high court on Monday heard the CBI’s plea challenging the discharge of former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and others in the alleged excise policy case. The matter has now been listed for April 13.Kejriwal, accompanied by his wife, appeared in court and informed the bench that he intends to argue his recusal application personally. A bench of Justices Swarana Kanta Sharma heard the matter.During proceedings, the bench clarified that a petitioner could only argue in person after discharging their counsel. The bench asked Kejriwal, “You will argue your case yourself?” He confirmed, “I will argue this case myself. I will avail my legal rights. As of now, I have not issued my vakalatnama to anyone.Kejriwal told the court, “I’ve filed a recusal application. Please take it on record.” Explaining procedural constraints, he added that as a petitioner representing himself, he could not e-file the application and requested the court to accept the hard copy, according to Bar and bench. “I will argue this application myself and exercise my legal rights thereafter,” he said.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, objected to Kejriwal arguing in person without discharging his counsel.“I have no objection to him appearing personally, but he has already engaged a lawyer. Unless he discharges his counsel, he cannot argue himself—if he chooses to appear, only he should represent the case going forward. This forum is not for theatrics,” Mehta said.He also flagged concerns about multiple recusal applications and repeated allegations against the judiciary.“Some people make a career out of making allegations. These are not just personal claims; they target an institution. This is something very serious that has happened in the capital of this country,” he said, referring to the multiple recusal applications filed in the case.Kejriwal insisted that he is following the high court procedure. “I filed the recusal application as per the High Court procedure. A petitioner appearing in person cannot e-file, so your lordships may kindly take it on record,” he said.The court has issued notice to the CBI on Kejriwal’s plea seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma. The bench clarified that any other party wishing to file a recusal application may do so.
Background of the excise policy case
The excise policy case revolves around allegations of irregularities in Delhi’s liquor licensing process during Kejriwal’s tenure as chief minister. Several former officials, including Kejriwal, were initially discharged by the trial court, a decision challenged by the CBI.On March 11, Kejriwal and other former accused moved a representation seeking reassignment of the case to another judge, citing a “grave, bona fide and reasonable apprehension” that the hearing would not be impartial.Earlier, the high court had given Kejriwal and others a final opportunity to file their stance on a plea by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), which sought to remove ‘unwarranted remarks’ made against it by the trial court while discharging the accused in the case.
