SCBA Ex-President Adish Aggarwala Slams Kapil Sibal Over Kolkata Rape-Murder Case Resolution

In a strongly-worded letter, Dr. Adish C. Aggarwala, Senior Advocate and Immediate Past President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), has taken aim at Kapil Sibal, the current President of SCBA, over a controversial resolution related to the horrific rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The incident has sparked nationwide outrage, particularly within the medical and legal communities.

Dr. Aggarwala expressed his deep disappointment with Sibal’s actions, accusing him of failing in his responsibilities as SCBA President. He criticized Sibal for issuing a resolution on August 21, 2024, which described the tragic incident as a ‘symptomatic malaise,’ implying it was one of many similar occurrences across the country. According to Dr. Aggarwala, this resolution was not approved by the SCBA Executive Committee, making it invalid and non-existent.

“The so-called SCBA Resolution is not worth the paper it has been printed on,” Dr. Aggarwala wrote, pointing out that the resolution was issued without the approval of the elected body and was a unilateral statement by Sibal. He further condemned the resolution as “mischievous, dangerous, and insensitive,” arguing that it downplayed the severity of the crime and the public outrage it has generated.

Dr. Aggarwala also highlighted a potential conflict of interest, noting that Sibal, who represents the West Bengal government in related cases before the Supreme Court, should have recused himself from making any public statements on the matter under the SCBA’s banner. He accused Sibal of using his position to undermine the ongoing investigation and the Supreme Court’s oversight of the case.

The letter also demanded that Sibal withdraw the resolution and issue a public apology within 72 hours. Dr. Aggarwala warned that failure to do so would result in a no-confidence motion against Sibal, potentially leading to his removal as SCBA President.

The controversy has cast a shadow over the SCBA and raised concerns about the role of its leadership in such sensitive matters. Members of the SCBA Executive Committee have reportedly distanced themselves from the resolution, further complicating the situation for Sibal.