On Monday, Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal pleaded his case before Delhi High Court's Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma for her recusal from hearing the liquor policy matter. Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma told the Former CM Kejriwal that he had "argued well" and he can become a lawyer.

"You argued well. Aap vakeel ban sakte hai," Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma told the AAP chief after he concluded his hour-long submissions on his application seeking recusal of the judge from hearing the CBI's petition against the trial court order discharging him and other accused in the liquor policy case.

Former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal submitted before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma that her earlier decisions in the liquor policy cases "almost declared" him guilty and corrupt, and that he apprehends he would not get justice if she continues to hear CBI's plea against his discharge.

Kejriwal further added that his application for recusal was based on "reasonable apprehension of not getting a fair hearing."

He further added that "here exists in my mind real, grave and reasonable apprehension that this petition will not get a fair hearing. I am showing 10 grounds (of apprehension)...In Kanak Lata case, Supreme Court held that earlier strong observations may create reasonable apprehension".

In the previous hearing during the charges against him, Manish Sisodia and BRS leader K Kavitha, Justice Sharma had denied the AAP leader relief and refused his bail pleas as well.

Former CM Arvind Kejriwal further stated his arguments for Justice Sharma's recusal, that the judge had attended events organised by the Akhil Bharatiya Adhivakta Parishad (ABAP), which is said to be ideologically associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta on Monday urged Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma to initiate contempt action against Former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and others for seeking her recusal from hearing the liquor policy case and said their pleas should be dismissed with costs.

Terming concerns by Kejriwal and others as "apprehensions of an immature mind," Mehta told the court it was a matter of "institutional respect" and Justice Sharma should not succumb to pressure as her recusal on "unfounded allegations" would set a bad precedent.

While reserving the judgement, the Delhi HC justice added that this was the first time that she has been asked to recuse from a case.

“I learnt a lot about recusal jurisprudence. For the first time in my life someone has asked me to recuse. I learnt a lot. I hope I will give a good judgment,” said Justice Sharma 

Justice Sharma reserved her verdict after hearing the AAP chief, the counsel for others discharged in the liquor policy case, and Solicitor General Tushar Mehta appearing for the CBI, till 7 pm on Monday.

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