Arvind Kejriwal, AAP’s national convenor, has knocked on the Supreme Court’s doors in the high-stakes Delhi liquor policy case. Following a setback from the Delhi High Court, Kejriwal seeks to shift the proceedings away from Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma’s single bench to ensure impartiality.
The controversy revolves around CBI’s appeal against a trial court’s clean chit to 23 individuals, including Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia. Notices were issued by Justice Sharma’s bench last week, with arguments set for Monday. Kejriwal’s lawyers contend bias risks a tainted verdict.
Prior outreach to High Court CJ Devendra Kumar Upadhyay yielded no change. Kejriwal additionally challenges a recent order shielding CBI’s probe officer from trial court criticism. On the ED front, it demands removal of remarks questioning its role, arguing they hamper PMLA investigations where it wasn’t involved initially.
High Court clarified ED issues would sync with CBI hearings, as the entire trial judgment faces scrutiny. CBI insists the policy amendments benefited select companies via kickbacks, justifying a full trial over premature discharges.
This Supreme Court gambit underscores AAP’s strategy amid intensifying agency probes. With Delhi’s political landscape simmering, the apex court’s response could reshape the narrative in this protracted corruption saga.