Kapil Sibal Elected President of Supreme Court Bar Association - 2024-05-17

Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal Elected as Supreme Court Bar Association President

In a significant development, senior advocate Kapil Sibal has been elected as the President of the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA). Sibal secured a landslide victory, garnering 1,066 votes and defeating his nearest rival, senior advocate Pradeep Rai , who received 689 votes.

This is the fourth time that Sibal will be serving as the SCBA President, having previously held the position in 1995-1996, 1997-1998, and 2001-2002, before becoming a Union Minister in the UPA government.

Sibal 's victory holds immense significance, particularly in the current context. The SCBA elections took place in a deeply polarized atmosphere, with one section seeking votes for a rival candidate in the name of "defeating secular forces". Sibal 's triumph can be seen as a triumph over such anti-constitutional sentiments.

The dignity of the SCBA President's post had been tarnished by the conduct of the previous President, senior advocate Adish C. Aggarwala , whose actions were widely criticized by the members of the bar. Sibal 's victory is crucial for restoring the prestige of the SCBA President's position.

As the President of the SCBA, Sibal is expected to play a crucial role in defending the independence of the judiciary and upholding the Constitution. Known for his courage in criticizing the establishment and his commitment to civil liberties, Sibal 's leadership is likely to inspire the bar to act as a defender of judicial independence and constitutional values.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh hailed Sibal 's victory as a "big win for liberal, secular, democratic, and progressive forces", and a "trailer for the changes that will happen very soon nationally".

The SCBA elections were held on May 16, and the results were declared on May 19. The apex court had earlier directed that some posts in the executive committee of the SCBA be reserved for women members, a move that was welcomed by the legal fraternity.

With Sibal 's election, the legal community can look forward to a strong and principled leadership at the helm of the SCBA, one that will uphold the rule of law and protect the rights of citizens against the excesses of the state.