Delhi High Court Judge Praises Kejriwal's Legal Skills, Suggests Lawyer Career
In a remarkable courtroom exchange, Delhi High Court Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma on Monday told former chief minister Arvind Kejriwal that he argued his case so effectively that he should consider becoming a lawyer. The comment came as Kejriwal sought permission to leave after presenting arguments for the judge's recusal from a CBI revision plea.
Courtroom Exchange Between Judge and Politician
As proceedings began, Kejriwal expressed his respect for the court and judiciary, stating: "Personally, I hold you in high regard, I hold the judiciary in high respect." Justice Sharma responded with mutual respect, emphasizing: "The respect is mutual. We will just concentrate on this case and argue the recusal application. Nothing personal. I am there to cooperate with you."
The Aam Aadmi Party leader then proceeded to argue his own case, listing reasons why the CBI revision plea should be transferred from Justice Sharma's bench. He highlighted that he was no longer an accused since being "honourably discharged" and presented arguments in both English and Hindi.
Court Insists Kejriwal Argue Without Legal Assistance
The high court made it clear that only Kejriwal could present arguments and expressed disapproval when his legal team attempted to prompt or assist him. Justice Sharma pointed out that since he hadn't hired a lawyer, he should argue independently and warned the advocate to refrain from assisting the former chief minister.
"You are assisting him... he (Kejriwal)... is arguing very well without you… Your litigant is arguing very well," the court told the lawyer, reinforcing that Kejriwal was handling his own representation competently.
Allegations of Bias and Political Implications
During his presentation, Kejriwal claimed that "the language used by this court" indicated potential bias. Justice Sharma directly asked if he was "insinuating a political bias," to which the AAP chief responded by maintaining that since the MP/MLA roster came to the judge, the case had progressed at an unusually rapid pace.
Kejriwal argued: "The speed at which this case is going, another case is going… there's no other case going on at such speed. In both, prominent opposition parties to the Centre are involved."
Praise and Parting Words
After concluding his arguments, Kejriwal sought permission to leave the courtroom. Justice Sharma granted permission with the memorable remark: "You argued well. Vakeel ban sakte hain aap." (You argued well. You can become a lawyer.)
Thanking the court, Kejriwal responded that he was "happy with what I am doing right now," indicating satisfaction with his current political role despite the judicial compliment about his legal potential.
Subsequent Proceedings and Lighter Moments
Following Kejriwal's departure, senior advocate Sanjay Hegde argued for former deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, criticizing probe agencies for portraying AAP functionaries as "Gabbar" from the iconic film 'Sholay.' In a lighter moment, Justice Sharma humorously wondered: "I wonder who I am then," adding some levity to the serious legal proceedings.
The hearing showcased a unique instance where a prominent political figure represented himself in court, receiving both judicial scrutiny and unexpected praise for his advocacy skills from the bench itself.
