Arvind Kejriwal flags “reasonable apprehension” of bias over judge’s alleged links; Swarna Kanta Sharma reserves order, says she “learnt a lot about recusal jurisprudence.”
By TRH News Desk
New Delhi, April 13, 2026 — A fresh legal controversy unfolded in the Delhi High Court as Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Saurabh Bhardwaj shared details of a courtroom exchange involving former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Bhardwaj said Kejriwal urged the court to consider recusal of the presiding judge, citing concerns over perceived ideological bias.
According to the post, Kejriwal “humbly pointed out” that Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma had attended four events organised by the Adhivakta Parishad, which he described as a lawyers’ body aligned with the ideology of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh. He argued that since he and his party openly oppose that ideology, the association could raise a “reasonable apprehension” about receiving a fair hearing.
During his submission, Kejriwal reportedly clarified that the Adhivakta Parishad is not a bar association but an ideological organisation. He cited instances—December 2022, March 2023, August 2024, and August 2025—when the judge allegedly attended its events. Calling the case “political in nature,” he argued that even the perception of bias could undermine confidence in judicial fairness.
Citing observations from the Supreme Court of India, Kejriwal invoked the principle that “perception matters” in a functioning democracy and that justice must not only be done but also be seen to be done. He also referred to past remarks about investigative agencies like the Central Bureau of Investigation, raising concerns about political influence.
Responding to the plea, Justice Sharma was quoted by Live Law, saying that she would confine herself to recording submissions. While reserving orders on the recusal applications filed by Kejriwal and others, she remarked, “I learnt a lot about recusal jurisprudence. For the first time in my life someone has asked me to recuse. I learnt a lot. I hope I will give a good judgment.”
Kejriwal has been pursuing legal remedies in multiple cases he describes as politically motivated. Recusal pleas are based on the legal principle that a judge must step aside if there is a reasonable apprehension of bias. Courts, however, weigh such requests carefully to safeguard both judicial independence and public confidence in fairness.
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