Punjab Newsline | New Delhi
Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia on Tuesday announced that they will neither appear in court nor allow their lawyers to argue in an ongoing case related to the Delhi excise policy. Calling their move a form of “satyagraha,” the leaders expressed lack of faith in the fairness of the proceedings before Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma.
Earlier in the day, Kejriwal, Sisodia, along with Leader of Opposition Atishi, visited Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, invoking his principle of satyagraha to justify their decision.
In a four-page letter addressed to Justice Sharma, Kejriwal stated that he was acting on his “inner conscience” and was prepared to face any consequences, even if it harmed his legal interests. He, however, clarified that he reserves the right to approach the Supreme Court against the judge’s decision.
Sisodia, in a separate letter, echoed similar concerns, stating that he sees no hope for a fair hearing and that satyagraha is the only option left.
The development comes in response to a petition filed by the CBI in the Delhi High Court challenging a trial court order that had acquitted Kejriwal, Sisodia, and 21 others in the excise policy case. The matter is currently being heard by Justice Sharma, who had earlier dismissed Kejriwal’s plea seeking her recusal from the case.