New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Monday said AAP convener Arvind KejriwalThe attempt to seek the recusal of a High Court judge from hearing a case over GST policy is “unfortunate” and risks undermining public trust in democratic institutions.delhi high court Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma refused to recuse herself from hearing the liquor policy case as she rejected requests by Kejriwal and others to recuse themselves.
Gupta said the High Court judgment sends a clear message that the independence, impartiality and dignity of the judiciary are non-negotiable.“Kejriwal’s attempt to malign the judicial process and question the impartiality of the sitting judges of the High Court is not only inappropriate but also seriously undermines the sanctity of the democratic system,” the chief minister said.She said in a statement that when individuals in high public office engage in such behavior, it can undermine public confidence in the justice system.Kejriwal is one of several accused in the GST policy case, which involves allegations of corruption and rule violation.“It is also unfortunate to witness a recurring pattern where judicial orders are selectively accepted when convenient and challenged when inconvenient. Such double standards have no place in a constitutional democracy governed by the rule of law,” she said.She said the court had rightly emphasized that no individual, regardless of position or influence, could be above the judicial process, adding that justice cannot be shaped by perception and truth cannot be changed through speech or public discourse.In the sentencing that lasted for more than an hour, Justice Sharma said that the parties cannot try the judge without any material, and the judge cannot recuse himself to satisfy the parties’ unfounded prejudices.She added that political leaders cannot be allowed to baselessly damage an institution because personal attacks on judges are attacks on the judiciary itself. “Political leaders cannot be allowed to cross the line and judge the abilities of judges.”Former Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal raised several objections to Justice Sharma hearing the CBI plea on his release from custody in the liquor policy case, including her earlier refusal to grant relief on his petition challenging his arrest and on the bail pleas of other accused including Manish Sisodia and Kavita.On February 27, the trial court acquitted Kejriwal, Sisodia and others in the Delhi liquor policy case, saying the CBI case was completely unable to withstand judicial scrutiny and was overall discreditable.
