Former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal has refused to appear before the Delhi High Court in the ongoing liquor policy case, choosing to boycott the hearing before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma and calling his move a “Gandhian Satyagraha.”

Kejriwal took this step after Justice Sharma rejected his plea seeking her recusal from hearing the matter. He had raised concerns over possible bias and questioned whether he could expect a fair hearing. However, the court firmly dismissed those concerns, stating that a politician cannot be allowed to judge judicial competence and that judges cannot step aside based on unfounded suspicions alone. (The Times of India)

In a letter addressed to the judge, Kejriwal said his “hope of getting justice has been shattered” and therefore he would no longer participate in the proceedings—neither personally nor through legal representation. He said his decision was inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s principle of satyagraha, describing it as a peaceful protest against what he believes is injustice in the judicial process. (Live Law)

The matter is linked to the Delhi excise policy case, where the CBI challenged the earlier trial court order that had discharged Kejriwal and several others. The lower court had observed that there was insufficient material to establish a prima facie case and criticized parts of the chargesheet for lacking supporting evidence. The CBI, however, moved the High Court arguing that important aspects of the case were overlooked and that there was enough evidence to proceed. (Wikipedia)

Kejriwal’s decision has triggered strong political reactions, with AAP leaders backing his stand and describing it as a fight for fairness and judicial neutrality. His supporters argue that he has exhausted legal options after the rejection of the recusal plea, while critics see the boycott as a direct challenge to judicial authority. (The Times of India)