Kejriwal’s objection to one judge raises a bigger question: When should judges step aside?

May 14, 2026 | 13:14 IST

Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma's refusal to recuse herself from Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia's case brings into focus whether a reasonable apprehension about bias is enough for judges to step aside

The recusal controversy involving Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma has put the spotlight back on a basic principle: Justice must not only be done, but must also be seen to be done.

The issue came to the fore last month, when former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal sought the judge’s recusal from hearing a case, citing a likelihood of bias. The concern was that Justice Sharma’s children were practicing as panel lawyers in the same court, raising questions about whether this could create a perception of conflict of interest.

TOI

TOI

Kejriwal’s objection to one judge raises a bigger question: When should judges step aside?

Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma's refusal to recuse herself from Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia's case brings into focus whether a reasonable apprehension about bias is enough for judges to step aside

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TOI

Kejriwal’s objection to one judge raises a bigger question: When should judges step aside?

Justice Swarna Kanta Sharma's refusal to recuse herself from Arvind Kejriwal and Manish Sisodia's case brings into focus whether a reasonable apprehension about bias is enough for judges to step aside

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