Kejriwal Calls for ‘Satyagraha’, Refuses to Appear Before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma
AAP leader says he has lost faith in the court’s neutrality; plans to challenge decision in the Supreme Court
New Delhi | April 27, 2026
Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has declared that neither he nor his legal team will appear before the bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in the ongoing Delhi liquor policy case. Calling his move a form of “satyagraha,” Kejriwal stated that he no longer expects a fair hearing from the judge.
The case is currently being heard in the Delhi High Court, where investigative agencies have challenged a lower court verdict that had earlier acquitted Kejriwal in the alleged scam.
Kejriwal had previously filed a plea requesting a change of bench, arguing that the judge may have formed a prior opinion about him. However, the court dismissed his request, stating that the claims were based on assumptions without concrete evidence.
Following the rejection, Kejriwal wrote to Justice Sharma, announcing his decision to boycott the proceedings. He also maintained that he retains the right to move the Supreme Court of India against the ruling.
Earlier, Kejriwal had questioned the judge’s impartiality, citing her participation in an event linked to a particular ideological group. He argued his case personally in court for nearly 90 minutes before the plea was dismissed.
Justice Sharma, in her order, made it clear that she would not recuse herself without valid justification, emphasizing that judicial independence cannot be undermined by unverified allegations.
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