Court Appoints Legal Experts After Defendants Refuse to Participate in Excise Policy Case

May 5, 2026, 21:40
AsiaPolitics

Introduction

The Delhi High Court has announced the appointment of three senior advocates to act as 'amici curiae' (friends of the court). These experts will represent the interests of former Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, former Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia, and AAP leader Durgesh Pathak.

Main Body

This legal action follows an appeal by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The CBI wants to overturn a February 27 court decision that cleared these individuals and twenty-one others of charges. The trial court had previously decided that the CBI did not provide enough initial evidence to support the case. This is part of a larger investigation into the 2021-22 Delhi Excise Policy, where the CBI claims that the policy was changed to allow certain private companies to make illegal profits. Conflict grew after Justice Swarana Kanta Sharma issued an order on March 9 regarding a CBI officer. Following this, the respondents asked to move the case to a different judge and requested that Justice Sharma step down from the case. However, the court rejected these requests on April 20. The judge emphasized that there was no clear reason for the change and warned that allowing such requests based on perceived bias could set a dangerous precedent for the legal system. Because their request was rejected, the respondents decided to boycott the proceedings. Arvind Kejriwal asserted that his concerns were based on solid reasons and claimed his views were misunderstood as attacks on the institution. Consequently, the court decided to appoint neutral legal experts to ensure the respondents' rights are protected and to provide the court with an unbiased professional opinion on the CBI's appeal.

Conclusion

The court will officially appoint the senior advocates this Friday, and the hearings regarding the CBI's arguments will begin shortly after.

Learning

The 'B2 Leap': From Simple Actions to Complex Consequences

At the A2 level, you describe what happened (e.g., "The judge said no"). To reach B2, you must describe why it matters and how it connects.

Look at this specific transition from the text:

"...allowing such requests based on perceived bias could set a dangerous precedent for the legal system."

⚡ The Power Phrase: "Set a Precedent"

In A2 English, you might say: "If we do this now, we will do it again in the future." In B2 English, we use "Set a precedent."

What does it actually mean? It means that an action taken today becomes the 'rule' or the 'example' for everyone else tomorrow. It is not just about one person; it is about the system.

🛠️ How to use it in your own life

Stop using "do it again" when talking about rules. Try these B2-style pivots:

  • Work/School: "If the boss lets him arrive late today, it will set a precedent for the whole office."
  • Parenting: "I can't let you eat cake for breakfast; it would set a a bad precedent for your eating habits."
  • Politics: "This new law sets a precedent for how privacy is handled online."

🔍 Linguistic Shift: 'Perceived' vs 'Real'

Notice the word "perceived bias."

An A2 student says: "He thinks the judge is unfair." A B2 student says: "There is a perceived bias."

The Difference: "Perceived" describes how something seems to a person, even if it isn't a proven fact. Using verbs like perceive, assume, or claim allows you to talk about opinions and arguments without sounding too simple or too aggressive. This is the key to academic and professional fluency.

Vocabulary Learning

overturn (v.)
To reverse or cancel a decision or judgment
Example:The court decided to overturn the lower court's ruling on the grounds of insufficient evidence.
appoint
to assign someone to a job or position
Example:The court will appoint a new judge next week.
investigation (n.)
A systematic examination or inquiry into a matter
Example:The investigation into the excise policy revealed that certain companies were making illegal profits.
appeal
a formal request to a higher authority to review a decision
Example:The company filed an appeal against the ruling.
precedent (n.)
An earlier event or action that is regarded as an example or guide for future similar situations
Example:Allowing biased requests could set a dangerous precedent for the legal system.
investigation
a systematic inquiry into facts or evidence
Example:The investigation uncovered new evidence.
bias (n.)
A tendency to favor one side or viewpoint over another, often unfairly
Example:The judge warned that perceived bias could undermine the fairness of the trial.
policy
a set of rules or guidelines adopted by an organization or government
Example:The government updated its environmental policy.
solid (adj.)
Strong, reliable, or well-founded
Example:Arvind Kejriwal asserted that his concerns were based on solid reasons.
overturn
to reverse or annul a previous decision or ruling
Example:The appellate court overturned the lower court's verdict.
misunderstood (v.)
To interpret or perceive something incorrectly
Example:The court noted that his views were misunderstood as attacks on the institution.
evidence
facts or information that support a claim or argument
Example:The evidence was presented in court.
unbiased (adj.)
Free from prejudice or favoritism; impartial
Example:The court appointed neutral legal experts to provide an unbiased professional opinion.
precedent
an earlier case or decision that serves as a guide for future cases
Example:The judge cited a legal precedent.
bias
a tendency to favor one side or view over another
Example:The judge was accused of bias.
boycott
to refuse to participate in or support something as a protest
Example:They decided to boycott the event.
solid
strong, reliable, or well-founded
Example:He gave solid arguments.
unbiased
not favoring any side; impartial
Example:The expert provided an unbiased opinion.
professional
relating to a profession; expert or highly skilled
Example:She is a professional lawyer.