The Delhi High Court has reserved its order on a plea filed by Arvind Kejriwal seeking the recusal of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma from hearing matters related to the excise policy case.

Kejriwal has also approached the Supreme Court of India challenging the decision of the Delhi High Court Chief Justice, who had earlier rejected his request to transfer the case away from Justice Sharma, according to Bar and Bench.

During a recent hearing, Kejriwal urged Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma to step aside from the case, stating that he had a “real, grave and reasonable apprehension” of bias and feared that he may not receive a fair hearing. He pointed to her participation in events organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad, which he described as aligned with an ideology his party opposes, arguing that this created a perception of partiality.

Kejriwal, along with former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, personally addressed the court during the proceedings while pressing for the recusal.

Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma, currently serving as a judge of the Delhi High Court, has a long judicial career. A graduate in English Literature from Delhi University, she completed her law degree in 1991 and later earned an LL.M. in 2004. She also holds a diploma in Marketing Management, Advertising, and Public Relations.

She began her judicial career at the age of 24 as a Magistrate and was elevated to the position of Sessions Judge by 35. On March 28, 2022, she was appointed as a permanent judge of the Delhi High Court. Known for her work as a judicial mediator, she has successfully resolved numerous cases through mediation.

Apart from her judicial work, Justice Sharma has chaired committees addressing complaints of sexual harassment across various Delhi courts, including Tis Hazari, Patiala House, and Rohini. She is also an author, having written books such as Don't Break After Break-Up and Beyond Baghban, among others, focusing on social and emotional issues.