Former Chief Minister of Delhi, Arvind Kejriwal, is anticipated to make a personal appearance at the Delhi High Court on Monday, requesting the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from a case that questions a trial court’s decision to discharge him and 22 other defendants in the purported excise liquor policy scandal.
The Delhi High Court is currently reviewing appeals from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging the trial court’s ruling, which opted not to prosecute Kejriwal and the other defendants. On February 27, a trial court in Delhi cleared all 23 individuals involved in the corruption case associated with the excise policy. This matter has been assigned to Justice Sharma, who presides over criminal cases involving Members of Parliament and Legislative Assemblies.
At least three motions, including one submitted by Kejriwal, have been filed as part of the appeal, seeking Justice Sharma’s withdrawal from the proceedings. These motions are scheduled to be addressed in court on Monday.
On March 9, the bench issued a stay on the trial court’s comments that suggested disciplinary action against the Investigating Officer (IO). This directive was given ex parte, without hearing the defense’s arguments.
Justice Sharma noted that the stay was warranted due to “certain factual discrepancies” in the trial court’s ruling. The High Court indicated that some of the trial court’s remarks regarding witness statements and testimonies from approvers, made at the charge stage, appeared to be “erroneous” on a prima facie basis. Justice Sharma also requested that the trial court’s proceedings regarding the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) be postponed.
In March, Kejriwal, along with former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and others, appealed to Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya of the Delhi High Court for the case to be reassigned from Justice Sharma’s roster to “any other suitable bench.” They contended that there is a “serious, bona fide, and reasonable concern that the case may not be heard with impartiality and fairness.”
This appeal was denied, leading to a further appeal in the Supreme Court, which is still pending.
Sohini Ghosh serves as a Senior Correspondent for The Indian Express. Having previously reported from Ahmedabad on Gujarat-related stories, she has now transitioned to the New Delhi bureau, where she focuses on legal matters at the Delhi High Court.
Professional Background:
Sohini is an alumna of the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ) and has prior experience with ET NOW before joining The Indian Express.
Areas of Expertise:
Her current reporting primarily involves the Delhi High Court, emphasizing high-stakes constitutional issues, intellectual property disputes, criminal and civil litigation, as well as human rights and regulatory matters, particularly in technology and healthcare.
Previous Focus:
In Gujarat, she was recognized for her thorough reporting on crime, law, policy, and social justice, covering significant events such as the 2002 riots, the 2008 serial bomb blast case, and the 2016 flogging of Dalits in Una. She has also reported extensively on health issues, including a significant investigation into the segregation of hospital wards by faith in April 2020.
Recent Significant Articles (Late 2025):
Her recent coverage of the Delhi High Court addresses major political, constitutional, corporate, and public interest legal conflicts, including compensation claims related to the 2020 northeast Delhi riots and the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Additionally, she has reported on technology governance and its implications for citizens, extending beyond courtroom discussions to government consultations on AI policy.
Signature Reporting Style:
Sohini is known for her in-depth courtroom reporting and her ability to simplify complex legal terminology for her readers. Her shift from Gujarat to Delhi has broadened her focus to include regulatory, corporate, and intellectual property law while continuing her dedication to human rights and addressing gaps in the criminal justice system.
Follow her on X (Twitter): @thanda_ghosh
