New Delhi: A political debate has intensified after Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) national convener Arvind Kejriwal decided not to appear before the court of Justice Swaran Kanta Sharma. The move has sparked widespread discussion in political circles, with the entire senior leadership of AAP Punjab strongly backing Kejriwal’s decision.
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, reacting on the social media platform X, stated that Kejriwal has demonstrated that a person must be ready to make sacrifices for justice and self-respect. He further added that any questions raised over judicial impartiality can impact public trust, and therefore the party fully stands with Kejriwal.
Cabinet Minister Aman Arora also strongly defended the decision, stating that when doubts arise over the neutrality of the justice system, both truth and fairness are affected. He added that concerns regarding impartiality in certain cases cannot be ignored and must be addressed transparently.
Arora further described Kejriwal’s move as inspired by Mahatma Gandhi’s philosophy of Satyagraha, calling it a peaceful yet impactful form of protest. He emphasized that the judiciary must also take public concerns into account to maintain confidence in the system.
Finance Minister Harpal Singh Cheema called the decision unprecedented, stating that it is possibly the first time since independence that a political leader has highlighted concerns about institutional processes in such a manner. According to him, the move is not merely political but an attempt to reinforce transparency and trust in the judicial system.
The unified stance of AAP Punjab leadership highlights strong internal support for Kejriwal, while also fueling a wider debate on judicial independence, political protest, and institutional trust in India’s democratic framework.
