Sisodia Steps Back From Delhi High Court Proceedings In Excise Policy Case
Aam Aadmi Party leader and former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has informed the Delhi High Court that he will no longer pursue proceedings in the excise policy case before the bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, marking a dramatic turn in the high-profile legal battle.
Sisodia conveyed his decision through a formal letter, stating that under the current circumstances, he does not wish to continue appearing before the same bench.
Sisodia Raises Concerns Over ‘Perception Of Fairness’
In his communication to the court, Sisodia emphasised that his decision was not directed at any individual judge but stemmed from concerns about the appearance of fairness in judicial proceedings.
He stated that justice must not only be fair but must also be seen to be fair by every citizen, suggesting that his trust in the process had been shaken.
The AAP leader said continuing proceedings despite lingering concerns would not be in line with his conscience, making it impossible for him to proceed before that bench.
Judge’s Public Associations Cited In Sisodia’s Letter
According to reports, Sisodia referred to Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma’s public participation in events linked to the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad (ABAP), as well as the professional associations of her family members, as reasons behind his apprehensions.
He also expressed concern over what he described as an appearance of closeness with government law officers representing the opposition side in the case.
These observations formed the basis of Sisodia’s request to withdraw from proceedings before the current bench.
‘My Faith In Judiciary Remains Unshaken,’ Says Sisodia
While questioning the fairness of the proceedings before the particular bench, Sisodia clarified that his faith in the judiciary and the Constitution remains firm.
In a public statement, he said the issue was not about mistrust in the institution but about preserving confidence in the judicial process.
He maintained that when doubts about impartiality arise in one’s mind, simply continuing formal participation would not be morally right.
Sisodia Calls His Move A Form Of ‘Satyagraha’
Describing his decision as a principled stand, Sisodia said that withdrawing from proceedings before the bench was the only path left for him.
He termed the move “Satyagraha,” portraying it as a peaceful protest aimed at defending the principle of judicial fairness.
The use of such language indicates that Sisodia intends to present the move as part of a larger fight for transparency and justice, rather than a legal strategy alone.
Excise Policy Case Takes New Political Turn
Sisodia’s refusal to continue before Justice Sharma’s bench adds a fresh layer of controversy to the already politically sensitive Delhi excise policy case, in which several senior AAP leaders, including Arvind Kejriwal, are accused.
Earlier, Kejriwal, Sisodia, and other accused had sought the judge’s recusal from hearing the matter.
The latest development is likely to intensify the political confrontation between the AAP and the central agencies investigating the case.
Legal And Political Implications Expected To Grow
Sisodia’s decision could trigger a broader debate over judicial recusal, fairness in politically sensitive cases, and the boundaries between legal strategy and political messaging.
With senior AAP leaders openly raising concerns about the conduct of proceedings, the excise policy case is increasingly becoming both a legal and political battleground.
