On Tuesday, the Delhi High Court, AAP leader Manish Sisodia has chosen to withdraw from active participation in proceedings relating to the excise policy case before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, echoing a similar stance taken earlier by party chief Arvind Kejriwal.
Manish Sisodia addressed a letter to Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma stating that he would neither pursue his matter nor be represented by any legal counsel in the ongoing excise case before her bench. This decision followed a similar course adopted by Arvind Kejriwal, who had earlier communicated that he would neither appear personally nor engage a lawyer in proceedings before the same judge.
The counsel for the Petitioner, Manish Sisodia, expressed a lack of faith in the adjudicatory process before the concerned bench. He indicated that he does not expect a fair outcome and asserted that he would resort to “Satyagraha” as a form of protest. He further remarked that no legal representation would be made on his behalf and made a pointed reference to the role of Tushar Mehta.
The development raises significant concerns regarding litigant confidence in judicial proceedings. The refusal of both Sisodia and Kejriwal to participate or be represented suggests a broader protest against the court’s refusal to allow recusal. The situation underscores tensions between litigants and judicial forums, particularly in politically sensitive cases.
No judicial determination has been made on the merits of the case in light of these developments. Proceedings are expected to continue as per law, subject to the court’s directions despite the petitioner’s decision to abstain from participation.
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