Delhi High Court Judge Swarana Kanta Sharma Declines Recusal in Liquor-Policy Case

Delhi High Court Judge Swarana Kanta Sharma has stated emphatically that she will not recuse herself from a high-profile liquor-policy case, rejecting pleas made by AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal and others. During a detailed judgment, Justice Sharma highlighted the dangers of allowing personal attacks on the judiciary without concrete evidence of bias.

Judge Sharma took a strong stand, explaining that a litigant should not be permitted to question a judge's neutrality based on speculations. She stressed the importance of maintaining judicial integrity, countering claims that were primarily built on conjecture and 'perceived inclinations'.

The case saw challenges from multiple AAP figures, including former minister Manish Sisodia, against the judge's participation. Despite objections, the Solicitor General supported the CBI's case, indicating a robust defense against claims made by Kejriwal and his associates, who had demanded the judge's withdrawal.

(With inputs from agencies.)