Atishi questions Justice Sharma for not recusing from excise policy case

AAP's Atishi questioned Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma for not recusing from the Delhi Excise Policy case. Top AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia, have refused to appear before the court, alleging a conflict of interest.

Leader of Opposition in the Delhi Assembly, Atishi, on Wednesday questioned Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma for not recusing from hearing the Delhi Excise Policy case. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP)'s top leadership, including convenor Arvind Kejriwal, has refused to appear before the court after the High Court denied the recusal of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma. "After recusing in multiple recent cases, why has Justice Swarnakanta Sharma chosen not to recuse in this one? What is different about this case?" Atishi posted on X.

Atishi's remarks came after Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma of the Delhi High Court recused herself from hearing a plea filed by Congress MP Karti Chidambaram seeking quashing of a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in connection with the alleged Diageo Scotland bribery matter.

Earlier in the day, former AAP MLA in Delhi, Durgesh Pathak, wrote to Justice Sharma, stating that he would not appear before the court in the excise policy case. Citing Arvind Kejriwal's letter to Justice Sharma, Pathak wrote, "I wish to respectfully convey that I am in agreement with the sentiments and apprehensions set out in the aforementioned letter, and I align myself with the position so expressed. Accordingly, I too have resolved not to participate further in the present proceedings, either personally or through legal representation. The vakalatnama, if any, executed in my favour in this matter may be treated as having been duly discharged."

Further, he expressed his faith in the Constitution and judiciary, clarifying that he does not mean disrespect towards the court. "I take this opportunity to unequivocally affirm my abiding faith in the Constitution of India and in the institutional integrity of the judiciary of this nation. This letter is authored neither in defiance of, nor with any disrespect towards, this Hon'ble Court. It is submitted solely with the intent of placing my position on record in a candid and respectful manner," the letter read.

AAP Alleges Conflict of Interest

AAP has alleged Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma's ties with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and said that a conflict of interest arises as both of her children work for the central government. After Arvind Kejriwal, senior AAP leader Manish Sisodia also refused to be represented by any lawyer in the matter and expressed a lack of faith in receiving justice. (ANI)

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