NEW DELHI — Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta launched a sharp political attack on Arvind Kejriwal Monday, following his decision to skip a court appearance and send a letter to a High Court judge questioning the fairness of ongoing legal proceedings.
The controversy stems from the long-standing Delhi Excise Policy case. Kejriwal’s letter reportedly raised concerns over the conduct of the hearings and requested a change of court, a move Gupta characterized as an attempt to bypass the judicial process.
“Lawyer, Witness, and Judge”
Reacting to the court no-show, Chief Minister Gupta criticized what she described as an overreach by the accused.
“Kejriwal’s stance is such that he wants to be the lawyer, witness, and judge all at once,” Gupta stated. “If he alone decides everything, what role is left for the judicial system?”
She further noted that raising questions about a sitting judge and seeking a change of court based on fears of an adverse verdict raises “serious questions” about the intent behind the move.
Satyagraha vs. Judicial Process
Gupta also took aim at Kejriwal’s public framing of his legal defiance as a form of “satyagraha.” She dismissed the comparison to historical figures like Mahatma Gandhi and Bhagat Singh as “shameful.”
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On Innocence: Gupta emphasized that the truth must be tested within the legal system rather than through public rhetoric.
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On Tactics: She labeled the refusal to appear in court a “cheap gimmick,” urging the accused to prove their innocence through the proper judicial channels.
The Excise Policy Backdrop
The exchange marks the latest chapter in the high-stakes battle over alleged irregularities in the Delhi liquor policy. With a chargesheet already filed, the Chief Minister argued that constantly questioning the judiciary reflects a mindset where the individual considers themselves above the law.
“If someone claims to be innocent, they should prove it in court,” Gupta concluded, reinforcing that the legal battle must remain within the confines of the courtroom.
