SCBA president Kapil Sibal under fire:No-confidence motion looms over Kolkata rape case resolution

Aggarwala has accused Sibal of circulating an unauthorised resolution on the tragic rape and murder incident at RG Kar Medical College, undermining the gravity of the case and exhibiting a conflict of interest.

SCBA president Kapil Sibal (Photo credit: PTI)

New Delhi: A storm is brewing within the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) as former president Adish Aggarwala has threatened current president Kapil Sibal with a no-confidence motion over a controversial resolution condemning the Kolkata rape and murder.

Aggarwala has accused Sibal of circulating an unauthorised resolution on the tragic rape and murder incident at RG Kar Medical College, undermining the gravity of the case and exhibiting a conflict of interest. He claims that the resolution was not officially approved by the SCBA’s Executive Committee and was issued unilaterally by Sibal, who also represents the West Bengal government in related Supreme Court cases.

Aggarwala’s letter, addressed to Sibal, expresses outrage over the resolution’s language, which described the incident as “symptomatic malaise” and hoped for a cessation of such incidents across the country. “You have been representing the government of West Bengal in the related cases before Hon’ble Supreme Court. As a lawyer, you have every right to accept and argue cases. However, on August 21, 2024 you circulated a purported Resolution of the SCBA under your signature, describing the RG Kar Medical College incident as ‘symptomatic malaise’, and said the ‘resolution’ hoped that such incidents that have taken place throughout the country are not repeated,” the letter read.

This, Aggarwala argues, is insensitive to the victim and the ongoing protests by doctors and students demanding safer working environments. “The statement about the ‘SCBA resolution’ signed by you and printed on SCBA letterhead is mischievous, dangerous, insensitive and a grave injustice to the rape-murder victim and lakhs of doctors, trainees and students who are still on protest mode, demanding safe work environment,” Aggarwala said in his letter.

He demands that Sibal retract the resolution and issue a public apology within 72 hours, warning that failure to do so will result in a no-confidence motion. Aggarwala criticises Sibal’s attempt to “downplay the seriousness of the case”, which is currently under investigation by the Supreme Court and the CBI.

The controversy has sparked concerns among several members of the SCBA’s Executive Committee, who also allege that the resolution was issued without their knowledge or approval. The no-confidence motion, if initiated, could lead to a crucial vote within the SCBA, potentially resulting in Sibal’s removal as president.

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