Excise Case: Delhi HC to Rule on Kejriwal's Plea to Change Judge Today

The Delhi High Court is scheduled to deliver its verdict today on a petition filed by Arvind Kejriwal and others. The plea seeks the removal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from hearing the excise policy case. While the court was initially expected to pronounce the judgment at 2:30 PM, the timing has now been shifted to 4:30 PM.

Kejriwal's Appearance and Arguments in Court

Aam Aadmi Party supremo Arvind Kejriwal appeared before the Delhi High Court today via video conferencing. This marked his fourth appearance regarding the application to change the judge in the excise case. During the proceedings, Kejriwal requested Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma to take his rejoinder on record. Initially, his new affidavit wasn't accepted, prompting Kejriwal to present his side again to ensure the rejoinder was included in the court records.

Opposition by Solicitor General Tushar Mehta

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta strongly opposed Arvind Kejriwal's arguments. He pointed out that on the 13th, Kejriwal himself chose to argue the case, a move that faced no opposition. Mehta noted that Kejriwal argued for an hour but left once he was informed the matter would conclude that day. The Solicitor General emphasized that across the country, once a judgment is reserved, no further arguments are taken on record. He argued that there is no legal provision to file a response to written submissions and urged the court to follow standard procedures applicable to any litigant.

Court's Observations on Legal Procedures

During the hearing, Kejriwal mentioned that the Registry wasn't accepting his filings. He stated that while the CBI had filed its response, the Registry initially showed his filing as accepted but later marked it as rejected. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma remarked that such statements shouldn't be made. She clarified that Kejriwal's additional affidavit had already been taken on record as a special consideration because he was arguing personally, while she stressed that the Registry's rules apply to everyone and that this is a simple case, not an extraordinary one.

Final Order Rescheduled to 4:30 PM

Justice Sharma agreed with the Solicitor General that there is no provision for a rejoinder to written submissions. She noted that Kejriwal was given time to file written submissions, which he failed to work with. The court maintained that judicial procedures wouldn't be altered for any specific individual. However, as a concession, Justice Sharma stated she would accept Kejriwal's response as a written statement since the verdict was due today, while solicitor General Mehta remarked that an ordinary citizen might not have received such a benefit. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma concluded by stating that the final order would now be pronounced at 4:30 PM.