NEW DELHI – Former Delhi Chief Minister and AAP chief Arvind Kejriwal is set to personally argue his case in the Delhi High Court today, April 6, 2026. This follows a high-stakes legal maneuver in which Kejriwal and other accused individuals moved a recusal application against Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, who is presiding over the CBI’s challenge to their release in the excise policy case.
The Push for Recusal
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stated that the application stems from a “grave and bona fide apprehension” regarding the impartiality of the current bench.
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The Conflict: On March 9, Justice Sharma observed that the trial court’s decision to discharge Kejriwal and 22 others was “prima facie erroneous.” * Prior Attempt: Kejriwal previously wrote to High Court Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya seeking a transfer of the case to a different bench, but the request was denied on March 13.
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The Argument: The defense argues that the judge recorded a preliminary view against them without providing the accused a fair hearing first.
Backstory: The Trial Court’s “Blistering” Discharge
The current High Court battle follows a landmark February 27 ruling by Special Judge Jitendra Singh of the Rouse Avenue Court:
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The Verdict: The court discharged Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and 21 others, stating the CBI failed to disclose even a prima facie case.
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The Rebuke: The 601-page order directed a departmental inquiry against the CBI’s investigating officer for “abusing” his position to conduct an unfair investigation.
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The Reversal: The High Court has since stayed the order for an inquiry, calling the trial court’s remarks “foundationally misconceived” at the charge stage.
Political Fallout
The BJP has seized on the recusal plea, labeling it a desperate tactic to delay justice.
“This move completely exposes Arvind Kejriwal… After losing his petition to transfer the case, he is now petitioning the judge himself to drop it. Is this his respect for the judiciary?”
— Praveen Shankar Kapoor, Delhi BJP Spokesperson
Today’s Legal Milestones
| Stage | Detail |
| Personal Argument | Arvind Kejriwal will present his own defense today. |
| Recusal Ruling | The court will decide if Justice Sharma should continue with the case. |
| CBI’s Stance | The agency maintains the trial court ignored vital WhatsApp chats and emails. |
With the Enforcement Directorate’s (ED) related money-laundering case currently deferred pending this outcome, today’s hearing is a critical pivot point for the AAP leadership’s legal future.
