Kejriwal Declares Satyagraha in Delhi Excise Case
Kejriwal Declares Satyagraha in Delhi Excise Case
Arvind Kejriwal says he will not appear in court for the excise policy case, announcing a Gandhi-inspired Satyagraha after the recusal plea was rejected.
In a dramatic turn in the Delhi excise policy case, Arvind Kejriwal wrote to Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma declaring that he will not appear before the judge, either in person or through a lawyer. He framed the move as a personal protest inspired by Mahatma Gandhi, saying, "Therefore, I have decided to follow Mahatma Gandhi's path of Satyagraha." He added that his decision came after reflection and a perceived broken path to justice, stating, "My hope of getting justice from Justice Swarana Kanta has been broken."
The development follows the Delhi high court's rejection of a plea for the recusal of Justice Sharma from hearing the case linked to the city’s excise policy. Kejriwal had raised concerns about potential bias, pointing to the empanelment of the judge’s children as Central government counsel and suggesting this could foster an appearance of impropriety. The court, however, dismissed the recusal plea, noting that a litigant’s perception alone does not warrant stepping aside, and cautioned that recusal would set an unwelcome precedent.
Kejriwal’s announcement positions the dispute within a broader debate about judicial impartiality and political protest. While the letter frames his stance as a conscience-driven act, observers say the move blurs lines between political action and legal process. Supporters may view the act as bold accountability, whereas critics worry it could complicate proceedings and fuel political theatrics around the judiciary. The excise policy case remains ongoing, with further court directions expected as the parties navigate this unprecedented protest from a sitting party leader.
