Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia has refused to appear before the Delhi High Court bench hearing matters linked to the Delhi excise policy case, adding a fresh twist to the long-running legal battle.
Sisodia informed the court that neither he nor his lawyers would appear before the bench of Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma. His decision came just a day after former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal took a similar stand in the same matter.
The case relates to the now-scrapped Delhi excise policy, which has been under investigation over alleged irregularities in its framing and implementation. Several AAP leaders have faced scrutiny in the matter, while the party has repeatedly denied wrongdoing.
According to reports, Sisodia expressed lack of confidence in getting a fair hearing before the bench. Similar concerns had earlier been raised by Kejriwal.
The move is unusual in a high-profile case, as litigants generally continue to argue their matter in court even when they disagree with proceedings or past orders. Legal observers say the development could lead to further procedural questions in the High Court.
The back-to-back decisions by two senior AAP leaders have also given the case a political dimension, with supporters and critics reacting sharply.
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