Rekha Gupta Slams Kejriwal After Delhi HC Rejects Plea In Liquor Policy Case

The Delhi High Court has refused Arvind Kejriwal's plea to recuse Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma from the liquor policy case, emphasising judicial independence. Rekha Gupta welcomed the decision, while political voices debated implications for governance and the judiciary's integrity.

Delhi politics has again seen sharp tension after the Delhi High Court rejected Arvind Kejriwal’s plea seeking the recusal of Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma from the liquor policy case. Soon after the order, Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta attacked Arvind Kejriwal, calling the politics of “Fear and Drama”.

Rekha Gupta welcomed the Delhi High Court decision and described it as a strong signal about judicial independence. Rekha Gupta said Arvind Kejriwal always tries to project honesty whenever a court ruling favours Arvind Kejriwal, but starts targeting the entire judiciary the moment an adverse order appears likely.

Delhi High Court verdict on Arvind Kejriwal plea and Rekha Gupta reaction

According to Rekha Gupta, Arvind Kejriwal is known more for “Lie and Drama” than for honest politics. Rekha Gupta stated that attempts to create pressure on judges will not succeed and claimed that the truth in the liquor policy matter will come out before everyone. Rekha Gupta framed the ruling as a setback to politics based on fear.

#WATCH | Asansol | On Delhi HC dismissing Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and others plea seeking recusal of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma in the excise policy case, Delhi CM Rekha Gupta says, "He is the person who is famous for lies and drama. Today, one judgement came in… pic.twitter.com/1Udbj8VWN7

— ANI (@ANI) April 21, 2026

The controversy began when Arvind Kejriwal moved an application asking that Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma step aside from hearing the liquor policy case. Arvind Kejriwal argued that Justice Sharma participates in certain public events and therefore should not continue with this particular matter, suggesting the events raised concerns about actual or perceived bias.

Arvind Kejriwal case, Delhi High Court reasoning and political reactions

Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma adopted a firm approach and dismissed Arvind Kejriwal’s application. Justice Sharma clarified that the oath is to the Constitution and that judicial work cannot be influenced by outer pressure. The court stressed that case allocation and hearing are not guided by any individual leader’s preferences.

Following the ruling in the Arvind Kejriwal case, debate within political circles has grown louder. Leaders in the ruling side and the Bharatiya Janata Party have said the Delhi High Court decision is correct and necessary, while some opposition voices disagree. RJD MP Manoj Jha expressed concern and said the development does not send a good signal for the judiciary.