Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Arvind Kejriwal’s arrival at the Delhi High Court on Tuesday was anything but routine. The moment his car entered the premises, it was engulfed by cameras, security personnel and a surge of reporters trying to get closer. Inside the vehicle were Kejriwal, his wife, and aide Bibhav Kumar. The calm inside contrasted sharply with the chaos outside.
By the time he stepped out, Kejriwal was being guided through a narrow passage carved out by the police. Movement was slow, with security personnel pushing back the crowd as he was edged forward.
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I was part of that moving crowd, cameras raised, questions flying. As Kejriwal inched ahead, I asked why he was seeking the recusal of the judge hearing the matter. He did not stop. “I will speak inside court,” he said briefly. “The matter is sub judice.”
FROM ENTRY TO COURTROOM
From the entrance, Kejriwal was taken to complete entry formalities before being escorted further inside with his legal team. The atmosphere within the complex was more controlled, though attention remained fixed on him.
He waited outside the courtroom as his matter was yet to be called. Lawyers gathered around, some exchanging brief words, others watching. A few attempted selfies, reflecting the unusual nature of the moment.
With the hearing delayed, he was briefly taken to a senior lawyer’s chamber before returning after the lunch break.
INSIDE THE COURT
Inside the courtroom, the noise of the corridors gave way to the formal rhythm of proceedings. Kejriwal remained seated quietly until his case was called, then rose to address the bench.
He informed the court that he had filed an application and sought permission to place it on record, noting that e-filing was not available for a petitioner appearing in person.
SHARP EXCHANGE WITH CBI
Appearing for the CBI, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta objected to the recusal plea, stating that multiple such applications had been filed.
“Some people make a career out of making allegations,” he said, adding that the issue went beyond individuals.
He also questioned Kejriwal addressing the court despite being represented by counsel. “This forum, this court, is not for theatrics,” Mehta said.
Kejriwal responded that he intended to argue the application himself. “I am ready to argue today or on any other date,” he said, adding that he would exercise his legal rights thereafter.
At one stage, the Solicitor General termed the application “contemptuous”, though the court proceeded to take it on record.
COURT SEEKS REPLIES
The bench asked the CBI about timelines for filing a response. Mehta said a reply could be filed as early as the next day.
The court directed that any reply be shared in advance with the other side and allowed similar applications, if any, to be filed and considered together.
In the broader Delhi excise policy case, the High Court listed the matter for Monday and cautioned other accused that failure to file replies could lead to closure of their right to respond.
EXIT WITHOUT COMMENT
After the hearing, Kejriwal briefly addressed the media outside the courtroom but declined to comment on the merits of the case, citing its sub judice nature. He indicated that he would argue the matter in person on the next date.
His exit, while still closely followed by the media, was more orderly than his arrival, bringing to a close a day that combined courtroom proceedings with intense public attention.
– Ends
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
