A Delhi High Court hearing involving former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took an unusual turn on Monday after a judge’s remark during proceedings triggered attention in a case linked to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenge in the excise policy matter.

The hearing concerns a plea seeking the recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma from adjudicating a CBI petition challenging a trial court order that had discharged Kejriwal and others in the Delhi excise policy case. During the proceedings, Kejriwal personally appeared in court to argue that he feared bias and would not receive a fair hearing if the judge continued to hear the matter.

In the course of his arguments, Kejriwal referred to earlier judicial orders and questioned aspects of the trial court’s decision, while also alleging procedural concerns regarding relief granted to investigative agencies. The court, however, intervened at multiple points to maintain procedural discipline, as Kejriwal attempted to continue reading from case material despite objections.

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It was during this exchange that the judge reportedly remarked, “May God grant that you never have to return,” after Kejriwal mentioned it was his first personal appearance in the High Court. The comment, made in a courtroom context, drew attention due to its unusual phrasing, though proceedings continued without disruption.

Kejriwal, in his submissions, argued that he had developed apprehensions regarding impartiality in the matter and cited what he described as inconsistencies in earlier judicial reasoning. His counsel also assisted him during the arguments as he laid out multiple grounds for seeking recusal, while the court maintained that procedural norms must be followed.

The Central Bureau of Investigation opposed the recusal request, arguing that allegations of bias were unfounded and based on unrelated factors such as the judge’s participation in legal seminars. The court has since accepted Kejriwal’s application in the matter, while the broader legal proceedings in the excise policy case continue to remain under judicial consideration.

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