New Delhi, Apr 27: Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Monday informed the Delhi High Court that he will neither appear in person nor be represented by legal counsel in connection with the ongoing excise policy case.
In a letter addressed to Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, Kejriwal expressed a lack of confidence in the judicial proceedings before her bench. The party stated that the communication reflects his personal decision regarding participation in the matter.
“My hope of getting justice from Justice Swarana Kanta has been broken. Therefore, I have decided to follow Mahatma Gandhi’s path of Satyagraha,” Kejriwal wrote, invoking the philosophy associated with Mahatma Gandhi.
He further noted that the decision was guided by his conscience, suggesting it was taken after careful reflection rather than legal strategy alone. The move marks a significant development in the high-profile case, drawing attention to the political and legal dimensions surrounding it.
Kejriwal, who previously served as Delhi’s chief minister, clarified that while he will not participate in the proceedings before the current bench, he reserves the right to challenge any adverse ruling. He indicated that he may approach the Supreme Court of India to seek relief if required.
The AAP leadership has not elaborated further on the legal implications of this step, but the decision is expected to trigger debate within legal and political circles about the norms governing court appearances and representation in ongoing cases.
The excise policy case has remained a contentious issue, with multiple legal proceedings and political exchanges shaping its trajectory. Kejriwal’s latest stance adds a new dimension, potentially influencing the course of litigation in the days ahead.