A heated controversy has erupted within the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) following a resolution passed last week. Former SCBA president Adish C Aggarwala has demanded current president Kapil Sibal retract the resolution and publicly apologize to members, threatening a no-confidence motion if his demands are not met.
The resolution, passed on August 21st, addressed the doctor’s rape-murder case at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Aggarwala has taken issue with Sibal’s description of the incident as a ‘symptomatic malaise,’ suggesting that such incidents are commonplace. He alleges that the resolution is invalid, as it was not officially approved by the SCBA’s Executive Committee.
Aggarwala further accuses Sibal of misusing his position to diminish the gravity of the case and engaging in a conflict of interest. Since Sibal represents the West Bengal government in the case, Aggarwala believes the SCBA’s statement presents a clear conflict of interest.
Aggarwala’s letter demands Sibal withdraw the resolution and issue a public apology within 72 hours. Failure to do so could lead to a no-confidence motion against Sibal. Aggarwala argues that Sibal’s actions attempt to undermine the seriousness of the case, which is under investigation by the Supreme Court of India and the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). He believes Sibal’s actions not only attempt to influence the apex court and investigation but also damage the credibility and integrity of the SCBA President’s role.
Aggarwala’s concerns are echoed by several members of the SCBA’s Executive Committee (EC), who allege that the resolution was signed by Sibal and circulated with an SCBA letterhead without being presented to or approved by the EC. This situation has sparked a significant controversy within the SCBA, with the potential to further escalate if Sibal fails to address Aggarwala’s demands.
