Judge Can Recuse From A Case At His Own Volition, But Not At the Mere Asking Of Litigant: SC [Read Order]

While rejecting a prayer seeking recusal of a judge who is part of the bench hearing an appeal, the Supreme Court observed that a judge can recuse at his own volition, but need not at the mere asking of a litigating party.The bench comprising of Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice Ajay Rastogi were considering an appeal filed by Seema Sapra against the Delhi High Court judgment holding her. While rejecting a prayer seeking recusal of a judge who is part of the bench hearing an appeal, the Supreme Court observed that a judge can recuse at his own volition, but need not at the mere asking of a litigating party. The bench comprising of Justice AM Khanwilkar and Justice Ajay Rastogi were considering an appeal filed by Seema Sapra against the Delhi High Court judgment holding her guilty of having committed contempt of Court. Before the Supreme Court bench hearing the appeal, a submission was made by Seema Sapra that she may not get justice from the Bench as Justice Khanwilkar is well acquainted with the Advocates who incidentally are members of the Supreme Court Bar Association against whom personal allegations have been made by her in the accompanying writ petition.