Arvind Kejriwal has approached the Supreme Court through a writ petition. He has challenged the Delhi High Court’s refusal to transfer the CBI’s petition against his discharge in the liquor policy case from the bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma.
In the petition filed today, Kejriwal has challenged the order of the Delhi High Court Registrar General. That order was passed based on instructions issued by the Chief Justice.
The Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court rejected Kejriwal’s request. He said the matter had been assigned to Justice Sharma under the existing roster. He also said there was no reason to place the case before another bench.
Background of the Kejriwal Liquor Policy Case Transfer Plea
On February 27, the trial court discharged all 23 accused in the case. These included political leaders Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and K. Kavitha.
The trial court had also sharply criticised the CBI’s investigation in the matter.
Trial Court Order in the Kejriwal Liquor Policy Case Transfer Plea
The case had become politically significant after Kejriwal’s arrest and remand to custody during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.
The Supreme Court later granted him bail after 156 days in custody.
AAP leader Manish Sisodia had also spent 530 days in custody in the same case.
Justice Sharma Proceedings in the Kejriwal Liquor Policy Case Transfer Plea
The CBI challenged the trial court’s discharge order by filing a revision petition.
Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma heard that revision petition. On March 9, she prima facie observed that the trial court’s remarks appeared prima facie erroneous.
Separate Challenge in the Kejriwal Liquor Policy Case Transfer Plea
After those observations, the AAP chief wrote to the Chief Justice seeking reassignment of the case.
He argued that no specific reason had been recorded for making adverse comments on the trial court’s order.
Kejriwal also said that Justice Sharma had earlier refused bail to several accused in the liquor policy case. He pointed out that the Supreme Court later granted them relief.
He has sought transfer of the matter on the ground of a “grave, bona fide, and reasonable apprehension that the matter may not receive a hearing marked by impartiality and neutrality”.
Separate SLP Also Filed
In addition to the writ petition, Kejriwal has filed a separate Special Leave Petition.
That petition challenges the observations made by Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma against the trial court’s order.
Case Details
Cases: Arvind Kejriwal v. CBI, W.P.(Crl.) | Diary No. 15968/2026;
Arvind Kejriwal v. CBI, SLP(Crl.) | Diary No. 15911/2026
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