Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Apr 28: Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia has refused to appear before the Delhi High Court in the excise policy case, stating that he has lost faith in the presiding judge and will follow a path of “satyagraha.”
In a letter to Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma, Sisodia said neither he nor his lawyers would present arguments in the case. He claimed he had no hope of receiving justice and alleged a conflict of interest involving Solicitor General Tushar Mehta.
Sisodia’s move follows a similar stand taken by Arvind Kejriwal, who had earlier written to the judge stating he would not appear in the matter either personally or through counsel, citing “Gandhian principles of satyagraha.”
Kejriwal, in his communication, alleged that the judge’s children, who are empanelled as lawyers for the central government, have professional links with Mehta, who is representing the prosecution in the case. He termed the continuation of proceedings by the judge as a “grave miscarriage of justice” and said he may approach the Supreme Court.
Both leaders’ letters came days after Justice Sharma declined to recuse herself from the case. Rejecting the allegations of bias, she emphasised judicial independence and asserted that there was no material to question the court’s impartiality.
“My oath is to the Constitution… justice does not bend under pressure,” the judge stated, adding that recusal without valid grounds would amount to an abdication of duty. She also cautioned against eroding institutional credibility based on unsubstantiated claims.
Legal experts have warned that non-appearance in court could invite coercive action, including issuance of warrants.
The case stems from a plea by the Central Bureau of Investigation challenging a trial court order that had earlier discharged Kejriwal, Sisodia and others in the Delhi excise policy case. The High Court is currently examining the matter after noting that certain findings of the lower court appeared prima facie erroneous.