SCBA President Kapil Sibal Faces No-Confidence Motion Threat Over Kolkata Doctor Rape-Murder Case Resolution
News Mania Desk/Agnibeena Ghosh/27th August 2024
Kapil Sibal, the current President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), is under fire for a controversial resolution he issued, with his predecessor Adish Aggarwala demanding its withdrawal. Aggarwala, who previously held Sibal’s position, has issued a stern warning, urging Sibal to either retract the resolution and apologize or face a no-confidence motion from the SCBA members. This heated dispute has emerged in the wake of the tragic rape and murder of a doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
The resolution at the heart of this controversy was issued on August 21, and it has been met with significant criticism. Aggarwala, in a strongly worded letter, has expressed his disapproval, particularly with how Sibal described the incident. The resolution allegedly referred to the horrific event as a “symptomatic malaise,” suggesting that such incidents are common occurrences. This characterization has not only upset Aggarwala but has also sparked concerns within the broader legal community.
Aggarwala has raised serious questions regarding the validity of the resolution, claiming that it was issued without the approval of the SCBA’s Executive Committee (EC). According to him, this oversight renders the resolution invalid. Furthermore, Aggarwala has accused Sibal of leveraging his position to downplay the gravity of the incident. He also highlighted a potential conflict of interest, given that Sibal is representing the West Bengal government in the ongoing case. This, Aggarwala argues, compromises the impartiality expected of the SCBA President.
In his letter, Aggarwala has demanded that Sibal withdraw the resolution and issue a public apology to the SCBA members within 72 hours. He has made it clear that failure to do so could result in a no-confidence motion against Sibal. Such a motion, if successful, could lead to Sibal’s removal from his position as SCBA President, further intensifying the ongoing controversy.
Aggarwala’s letter also accuses Sibal of attempting to undermine the seriousness of the RG Kar Medical College case, which is currently under intense scrutiny by both the Supreme Court of India and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He contends that Sibal’s actions, including the mention of the Chief Justice of India in the resolution, have not only sought to influence the judiciary and the investigation but have also tarnished the reputation and credibility of the SCBA President’s office.
Moreover, several members of the SCBA’s Executive Committee have echoed Aggarwala’s concerns. They have alleged that the resolution was signed by Sibal and distributed on SCBA letterhead without proper consultation or approval from the EC. This procedural lapse, they argue, further exacerbates the controversy and undermines the integrity of the SCBA as an institution.
The fallout from this incident is not only a significant challenge to Sibal’s leadership but also a critical moment for the SCBA. The resolution has sparked a broader debate about the role and responsibilities of the SCBA President, particularly in cases involving high-profile legal and ethical issues. As the situation unfolds, the demand for accountability and transparency within the SCBA will likely intensify, potentially leading to significant changes within the organization.
