RSS events, ideological bias: What Arvind Kejriwal told HC judge Swarana Kanta Sharma while seeking her recusal from his case

Arvind Kejriwal on Monday flagged an “apprehension of bias” against Swarana Kanta Sharma, who is hearing the CBI’s plea challenging his discharge in the excise policy case. The Delhi High Court has reserved its verdict on the recusal petitions filed by Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and others.

Arguing his case in person, Kejriwal claimed that earlier observations by the court had effectively branded him and co-accused as “almost… corrupt.” He pointed out that the trial court’s discharge order on February 27 came after three months of hearings and scrutiny of around 40,000 pages of evidence, whereas the high court termed it “prima facie erroneous” after a brief hearing on March 9.

Kejriwal also cited a “fear of ideological bias,” alleging that the judge’s participation in events linked to the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad—which he said is affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh—raised concerns in his mind. He argued that even an apprehension of bias is sufficient grounds for recusal, referring to legal precedent.

Opposing the plea, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta warned that accepting such arguments could set a “dangerous precedent.” He also said the applicants had failed to disclose that an earlier order by the bench had been upheld by the Supreme Court of India.

Kejriwal further questioned the pace and pattern of proceedings, claiming that multiple related cases—including bail hearings of other accused—had seen observations that “amount to judgments.” He alleged that submissions by investigative agencies like the CBI and ED were consistently accepted, raising concerns over fairness in the process.