NEW DELHI: A controversy has erupted within the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) over a resolution passed by its President, Kapil Sibal, concerning the RG Kar Hospital rape and murder case. Several Executive Committee (EC) members have expressed discontent, claiming they were unconcerned about the resolution.
According to former SCBA President Adishi Aggarwal, the resolution described the RG Kar Medical College incident as a “symptomatic malaise.” Aggarwal has written a separate letter calling for a No Confidence Motion against Sibal. Other EC members have also sent a letter to Sibal criticizing the resolution, stating that it was passed without their knowledge or approval.
Aggarwal’s letter condemns the resolution as “mischievous, dangerous, insensitive, and a grave injustice” to both the victim and the protesting medical community. The letter argues that the statement issued on SCBA letterhead under Sibal’s signature was portrayed as an official resolution of the entire Executive Committee, which was not the case.
Several EC members were surprised to see the resolution, dated August 21, 2024, claiming they were not involved in any discussion or decision-making process. They emphasize that the resolution was never placed before the EC nor discussed with its members, suggesting it represented Sibal’s personal view rather than a collective stance.
The dissenting members expressed their belief that any resolution on such a sensitive issue should have been reached unanimously, with all EC members being consulted. They stressed that they do not support the unilateral decision taken by Sibal and clarified their stance against the incident at the RG Kar Medical College & Hospital. The letter further condemned the incident and called for prompt action against those responsible, reaffirming SCBA’s commitment to standing by those whose fundamental rights are violated.
This disagreement within the SCBA reflects a deeper concern about governance and decision-making within the association, particularly on matters involving sensitive and high-profile issues.