In a fresh development in the alleged Delhi excise policy case, Arvind Kejriwal and several other former accused have moved an application before the Delhi High Court seeking the recusal of Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma from the matter.

According to the Aam Aadmi Party’s legal team, Kejriwal is expected to appear in court today and present his arguments in person.

The High Court is scheduled to hear the Central Bureau of Investigation’s (CBI) plea challenging the discharge of Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and others in the Delhi excise policy case.

Meanwhile, in proceedings related to the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) petition, Kejriwal and Sisodia have been granted more than a fortnight’s additional time to file their reply. The High Court has given them a final opportunity to submit their response by April 22, 2026.

The ED’s petition pertains to the removal of what it described as “unnecessary observations” made by the special CBI-ED court against investigative agencies. In its application, the ED argued that the lower court’s remarks were irrelevant to the CBI case and were made without hearing the agency. It further contended that these observations violate the principles of natural justice and have caused irreparable damage to its credibility.

The High Court has also cautioned that failure to respond to its notice could lead to the curtailment of the respondents’ rights in the matter. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for April 22.

Earlier, the special CBI-ED court had discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia, and others citing lack of sufficient evidence, a decision that has been challenged by the CBI in the High Court.

Separately, Kejriwal and Sisodia had approached the Chief Justice of the High Court seeking transfer of the case from the bench of Justice Swarn Kanta Sharma to another court.

Source: India Today