Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced that he will neither appear personally nor be represented by a lawyer before Delhi High Court Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in connection with the excise policy case, according to the party.
In a letter addressed to Justice Sharma, the former Delhi chief minister stated that he had lost confidence in receiving justice in the matter and had therefore chosen to adopt the path of “Satyagraha,” inspired by Mahatma Gandhi.
“My hope of getting justice from Justice Swarana Kanta has been broken. Therefore, I have decided to follow Mahatma Gandhi’s path of Satyagraha,” Kejriwal wrote in the letter.
Kejriwal May Challenge Verdict in Supreme Court
While refusing to participate in proceedings before the Delhi High Court judge, Kejriwal clarified that he would retain the legal right to challenge any adverse order in the Supreme Court.
The AAP leader noted that although he would not present arguments before Justice Sharma, he would reserve the option to seek relief from the apex court if necessary.
The development marks a dramatic turn in the ongoing excise policy case, adding a political dimension to the legal proceedings involving one of the country’s most prominent opposition leaders.
Political and Legal Implications
Kejriwal’s move is likely to trigger strong political reactions, as his decision to boycott proceedings before a sitting judge is unusual in high-profile judicial matters. By invoking Gandhi’s philosophy of peaceful resistance, the AAP chief has framed the issue as a moral stand rather than merely a legal dispute.
The excise policy case has already become a flashpoint in national politics, with the Aam Aadmi Party alleging political targeting, while investigative agencies maintain that the case is based on evidence related to irregularities in Delhi’s now-scrapped liquor policy.
