New Delhi, Apr 9: The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Wednesday opposed the applications filed by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia and others seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from hearing matters related to the excise policy case, asserting that there is no evidence of bias.
In an affidavit filed before the Delhi High Court, as per news agency Kashmir News Corner — KNC, the agency dismissed claims that Justice Sharma’s attendance at a seminar organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad (ABAP) indicated any ideological inclination. The CBI stated that merely participating in a non-political legal event cannot be treated as proof of prejudice or partiality.
The agency further argued that raising such allegations without substantive grounds undermines the authority of the judiciary and could amount to interference in the administration of justice. It maintained that if attending such events were considered a sign of bias, several judges across High Courts and the Supreme Court would be forced to recuse themselves from hearing cases involving politically exposed persons.
Addressing concerns over the pace of proceedings, the CBI said that cases involving Members of Parliament and Members of Legislative Assemblies are required to be heard on a priority basis in line with directions issued by the Supreme Court. Therefore, expeditious hearings in the present matter cannot be construed as undue haste or bias.
The agency also pointed out that Justice Sharma has passed orders favourable to accused persons in the same case, indicating a balanced judicial approach. As an example, it cited proceedings in another case involving Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family, where multiple hearings were conducted within a short period in compliance with judicial guidelines.
Additionally, the CBI defended the High Court’s actions in making prima facie observations and staying trial court proceedings in the related money laundering case, stating that such steps fall within the legal framework and do not reflect any impropriety.
The agency reiterated that the allegations raised in the recusal plea are unfounded and urged the court to dismiss them, affirming that the matter is being handled strictly in accordance with established legal procedures. (KNC)
