New Delhi: The Delhi High Court heard on monday CBIPetition challenging the release of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal And others in the alleged excise policy matter. The case has now been listed for April 13.Kejriwal appeared in the court along with his wife and informed the bench that he wanted to personally argue the application for recusal from his case. The bench of Justice Swarnakanta Sharma heard the case.During the proceedings, the bench clarified that a petitioner can argue in person only after the leave of his counsel. The bench asked Kejriwal, “Will you argue your case yourself?” He confirmed, “I will argue the case myself.” I will take advantage of my legal rights. Till now I have not issued my Vakalatnama to anyone.“I have filed an application to recuse myself. Please take it on record,” Kejriwal told the court. Explaining the procedural hurdles, he said that as a petitioner representing himself, he cannot e-file the application and requested the court to accept the hard copy, as per Bar and Bench. “I will argue the application myself and then exercise my legal rights,” he said.Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the CBI, objected to Kejriwal arguing in person without appointing his lawyer.Mehta said, “I have no objection to him appearing in person, but he has already appointed a lawyer. Unless he acquits his lawyer, he cannot argue himself – if he wants to appear, only he should represent the case. This platform is not for theatrics.”He also expressed concern about the many separate applications and repeated allegations against the judiciary.“Some people make careers out of making allegations. These are not just personal claims; they target an institution. This is a very serious thing that has happened in the capital of this nation,” he said, referring to multiple rejection applications filed in the case.Kejriwal insisted that he was following the High Court procedure. “I have filed a withdrawal application as per the High Court procedure. A petitioner appearing in person cannot e-file, so your Excellency please take it on record,” he said.The court has issued a notice to CBI on Kejriwal’s plea to recuse Justice Swarnkant Sharma from the case. The bench clarified that if any other party wants to file an application to withdraw from the case, it can do so.

Excise Policy Case Background

The excise policy issue revolves around allegations of irregularities in Delhi’s liquor licensing process during Kejriwal’s tenure as chief minister. Several former officers, including Kejriwal, were initially acquitted by the lower court, a decision which was challenged by the CBI.On March 11, Kejriwal and other former accused made a representation seeking transfer of the case to another judge, citing “serious, bona fide and reasonable apprehensions” that the trial would not be fair.Earlier, the high court had given Kejriwal and others a last chance to file their stand on the Enforcement Directorate (ED) plea seeking deletion of ‘inappropriate observations’ made against him by the trial court while acquitting the accused in the case.