Kejriwal's decision rooted in truth, Gandhian Satyagraha: Punjab AAP leaders

AAP leadership in Punjab on Monday backed the decision of party supremo Arvind Kejriwal to not appear before Delhi High Court Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, calling it ''a principled step rooted in truth, self-respect and the Gandhian philosophy of Satyagraha.'' Kejriwal has written to HC Justice Sharma that he will not appear in the excise case personally or through a lawyer before her, the party said on Monday after the judge rejected the AAP leader's plea seeking her recusal. Alleging ''grave miscarriage of justice'', Kejriwal, in a four-page letter, said he has ''serious and unreconciled'' concerns regarding the matter. In a post on X, Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann said Kejriwal has demonstrated that one must be ready to sacrifice anything for justice and self-respect. ''When questions arise over the judiciary's impartiality, public trust is shaken. We all stand firmly with him,'' said Mann. Punjab AAP president Aman Arora said, ''When political shadows fall over justice, both truth and fairness suffer. In cases involving the BJP and its ideological ecosystem, doubts over impartiality naturally arise.'' Arora said Kejriwal's decision to ''adopt the path of 'satyagraha' reflects a peaceful yet powerful resistance inspired by Mahatma Gandhi. The judiciary must take note of the concerns being raised to restore public confidence.'' State Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema called this move unprecedented. ''It may be the first time since independence that a leader has chosen such a path to expose systemic concerns. Arvind Kejriwal's decision is a principled stand aimed at safeguarding faith in justice and ensuring that the process remains transparent and unbiased,'' said Cheema. Power Minister Sanjeev Arora said the credibility of the justice system depends not only on fairness but also on transparency in that fairness. When public questions arise regarding the impartiality of proceedings, it becomes necessary to take a stand that protects the sanctity of the system, said Arora. Referring to Kejriwal's move, Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains said, ''Justice must not only be done but must also be seen to be done.'' ''This is the foundation of the legal system. When even this basic standard is in doubt, stepping back is not weakness, it is the voice of conscience,'' said Bains.

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