In a dramatic turn of events, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia have announced a 'satyagraha' to boycott the hearing before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in the excise policy case. The leaders allege bias and claim that the judge is acting under pressure from the central government.
Background of the Excise Case
The excise policy case involves allegations of irregularities in the implementation of Delhi's new excise policy. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) and the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have been investigating the matter, leading to the arrest of several key figures, including Sisodia.
Allegations of Bias
Kejriwal and Sisodia have accused Justice Sharma of being prejudiced against them. They argue that the judge's past rulings and statements indicate a lack of impartiality. The duo has decided to resort to satyagraha, a non-violent protest, to highlight what they perceive as a miscarriage of justice.
Reactions from Political Circles
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has rallied behind its leaders, with party workers staging protests outside the court. Meanwhile, opposition parties have criticized the move, calling it an attempt to evade legal proceedings. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has dismissed the allegations of bias as baseless.
Legal Implications
The boycott could have serious legal consequences. The court may proceed with the hearing in their absence, potentially leading to adverse orders. Legal experts are divided on the strategy, with some viewing it as a legitimate form of protest and others as a risky maneuver.
Next Steps
The hearing is scheduled for next week. It remains to be seen whether the court will accommodate the leaders' demands or proceed without them. The case has garnered significant public attention, with many awaiting the outcome.
