Delhi HC to Ensure Representation for Kejriwal, Sisodia via Amici Curiae

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday said it will appoint senior lawyers as amici curiae to represent Arvind Kejriwal, Manish Sisodia, and Durgesh Pathak in a case filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) challenging their discharge in the alleged liquor policy case.

The development comes after the AAP leaders chose to boycott the hearing before Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma, citing concerns over conflict of interest and apprehension of bias. The judge had earlier refused to recuse herself from the case.

Justice Sharma deferred the hearing to May 8, observing that proceedings would continue once legal representation is arranged through appointed amici curiae. The court noted that such appointments would ensure the case moves forward despite the absence of the accused or their legal counsel.

Earlier, Kejriwal, Sisodia, and Pathak had informed the court that they would neither appear in person nor through lawyers after their plea seeking recusal was dismissed on April 20. In their application, they alleged that the judge’s children are empanelled as central government lawyers and receive work through Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, who represents the CBI in the matter.

Rejecting the plea, Justice Sharma stated that recusal cannot be granted based on unfounded apprehensions, emphasizing that judicial proceedings cannot be stalled on such grounds.

An amicus curiae, or “friend of the court,” refers to an independent lawyer or entity appointed to assist the court by providing expertise or ensuring fair representation in complex legal matters.