New Delhi, July 31 -- Justice Girish Katpalia of the Delhi High Court on Wednesday recused himself from hearing a petition filed by UK-based arms consultant Sanjay Bhandari, who is facing charges of tax evasion and money laundering.

The petition challenges a trial court order that declared him a Fugitive Economic Offender under the provisions of the Fugitive Economic Offenders (FEO) Act, 2018.

Following Justice Katpalia's recusal, the matter has been referred back to the Chief Justice for allocation to a different bench.

During the hearing, senior advocate Kapil Sibal appeared for Bhandari, while Advocate Zoheb Hossain represented the Enforcement Directorate (ED).

During arguments, Sibal submitted, "Once I'm declared a fugitive, I los...