Page 4 - Kapil Sibal

PM Modi, what he stands for, will be at centre of LS polls: Kapil Sibal

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be at the centre of the Lok Sabha polls and whether what he stands for is for the good of the people of the country would be the subject matter of the elections, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal said on Sunday. In a video interview with PTI, Sibal also said the opposition INDIA bloc needs to come out with a joint vision document which entails what key issues are there before the country which need to be addressed. Asserting that no election is a done deal, Sibal quipped, "I don't know whether picture baki hai ki nahi lekin jo picture chal rahi hai woh desh ke liye theek nahi hai (I don't know whether or not there is more to the film but the one that is playing is not good for the country)." Asked about the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) losing its way with JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar crossing over to the NDA and TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee saying her party will go solo in the polls, Sibal said negotiations with Banerjee were still o

Sibal deplores British-era origin of criminal laws, says it quelled dissent

Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Saturday deprecated the practice of arresting persons on the ground of suspicion, saying he had problems with the British-era origin of criminal procedures which was used to "quell dissent". Sibal was speaking at a seminar organised by NGO 'Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms- (CJAR)'. "When we adopted the Constitution of India, it was based on the 1935 (Government of India) Act. When we adopted the criminal laws, that was the same (British-era) Indian Penal Code (IPC), the same Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC). When the British had this provision that you can arrest anybody on the basis of suspicion," the senior advocate said. He said the British adopted the rule of arresting anyone based on suspicion to quell dissent and many atrocities were committed based on the provision. "I have a problem with this provision. How does it pass the test of constitutionality? You cannot be deprived of your life and liberty, save in

Castes of SCs, STs may not be homogenous in terms of social status: SC

The Supreme Court, examining whether states can sub-classify scheduled castes and scheduled tribes for grant of quota inside quota, on Wednesday said all SCs and STs may not be homogenous in terms of their sociological, economic, education and social status. "They (SCs and STs) may be a class for a certain purpose. But, they may not be a class for all the purposes," a seven-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud observed while hearing as many as 23 petitions on the issue. The top court is hearing references to revisit a five-judge constitution bench judgement of 2004 in the case of 'EV Chinnaiah vs. State of Andhra Pradesh' in which it was held that SCs and STs are homogenous groups and hence, states cannot further sub-classify inside SCs and STs to grant quota inside quota for more deprived and weaker castes in these groups. "Therefore, there is homogeneity in the sense that each one of them belongs to the scheduled castes. But your argument is that there i

ED 'fabricating evidence' against Hemant Soren: Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal

Soren was on Friday remanded to five days' ED custody by a special PMLA court in Ranchi in connection with a money laundering case linked to an alleged land fraud

Talk of Ram Rajya in Ayodhya, showing 'Aaya Ram Gaya Ram' in Bihar: Sibal

Taking a swipe at the BJP over the Bihar political developments, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Sunday said while there was talk of Ram Rajya at the consecration ceremony in Ayodhya, "Aaya Ram Gaya Ram" was being showcased in Bihar. Sibal's dig in the morning came just ahead of Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's volte-face from the opposition INDIA bloc to the BJP-led NDA. In a post on X, Sibal said, "Ayodhya, Bihar. Talk of: Ram Rajya at Ayodhya and showcase 'Aaya Ram Gaya Ram in Bihar'!" "What say you Modi ji?" said Sibal, a prominent voice in the opposition. Aaya Ram Gaya Ram' was an expression used widely in politics in the 1990s referring to the frequent floor-crossing and switching of parties. Later in the day, Chief Minister Kumar submitted his resignation to Governor Rajendra V Arlekar. The governor accepted Kumar's resignation, and asked him to continue as caretaker CM till a new government is formed. A new government with the support of the BJP is likely to be in place

Sibal slams Maharashtra Speaker Narwekar's ruling over Shiv Sena feud

A day after Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde-led faction was declared the "real" Shiv Sena, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Thursday said the "play was scripted long ago" and what was watched was the "farce" being played out with no recourse. In a big political win for Shinde, assembly Speaker Rahul Narwekar on Wednesday held that the Shiv Sena faction led by him was the "real political party" when rival groups emerged in June 2022, and did not disqualify any MLA from the two camps. The ruling cemented Shinde place in the top job, 18 months after his rebellion, and added to his political heft in the ruling coalition which also consists of the BJP and the NCP (Ajit Pawar group) ahead of the Lok Sabha polls. In a post on X, Sibal said, "Speaker (as Tribunal): Shindes faction is real Sena. The play was scripted long ago. We watch the farce being played out with no recourse." "That is the tragedy of this 'mother of democracy'," the former Union minister said. In his 105-minute-l

New criminal laws 90% same, more rigorous than 'colonial' ones: Kapil Sibal

The former Union Minister said that the new laws are more rigorous than the 'colonial' ones and they don't have any 'Indian-ness' in them

For most pathbreaking, for some heartbreaking: Sibal on Article 370 verdict

He claimed, however, that the apex court ruling had nothing to do with the Centre's understanding of Article 370, which accorded special constitutional privileges to the erstwhile state

Kapil Sibal slams BJP for boycotting Telangana MLAs' oath-taking ceremony

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal slammed the BJP on Sunday after its MLAs boycotted the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected legislators in Telangana over AIMIM's Akbaruddin Owaisi being made pro-tem speaker, saying such "public expression of hate" makes him wonder where the country is heading. The first session of the third Telangana Legislative Assembly began on Saturday with the oath-taking ceremony of the newly-elected MLAs. The BJP MLAs, however, stayed away from the House, alleging that AIMIM MLA Owaisi was appointed as pro-tem speaker in violation of rules. In a post on X, Sibal said, "Telangana, Protem Speaker Akbaruddin Owaisi -- 8 BJP MLAs boycott oath. Such public expression of hate makes me wonder where my country is heading!" "Is this the Mother of Democracy we publicly proclaim to be!" the former Union minister said. Before the commencement of the Telangana Assembly session, Owaisi was administered the oath by Governor Tamilisai Soundararajan as the pro-tem speaker at

Shareholders do not become owners: Sibal on ED order on Herald case

Earlier, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party over ED's action to attach properties worth 751 crores in the National Herald Case

NewsClick row: SC defers hearing on pleas of founder, HR against arrest

The Supreme Court on Monday deferred post Diwali vacation hearing on pleas of NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and its HR head Amit Chakravarty against their arrest under anti-terror law UAPA. A bench of Justices BR Gavai Prashant Kumar Mishra told senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for both the accused, that it will take up the pleas after the vacation. Sibal said the matter is covered by the recent judgement of the apex court under which it was held that grounds of arrest has to be immediately shared with the accused but in this case, nothing was shared. He said there is an application for medical bail also pending before the court. The bench said it would take up the medical bail application along with the main matter after the Diwali vacation. On October 19, the top court had sought the response of the Delhi Police on pleas of Purkayastha and Chakravarty challenging the Delhi High Court order of October 13. The high court had on October 13 dismissed their pleas agains

Sibal takes a dig at PM Modi's free ration scheme extension for five years

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Monday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi's announcement that his government will extend the free ration scheme for five years, saying this was needed even after "10 years of Achche Din". In a post on X, Sibal said, "Global Hunger Index, India ranked 111 out of 125 countries (October 13, 2023). India rejects ranking. Now PM: Extends PMGKA Yojana for another 5 years so that 'people don't go to sleep hungry'." "This: After 10 years of 'Acchhe Din'?" the former Union minister said. Sibal, who was a Union minister during UPA I and II, quit the Congress in May last year and was elected to the Rajya Sabha as an Independent member with the Samajwadi Party's support. He has floated a non-electoral platform 'Insaaf' aimed at fighting injustice. Addressing a poll rally in poll-bound Chhattisgarh on Saturday, Modi had said the government will extend for five years the free ration scheme, Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, covering 80 crore poor

Time for courts to wake up to blatant misuse of PMLA: Sibal on ED summon

It is time for courts to wake up to the blatant misuse of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal said on Wednesday, days after the Enforcement Directorate summoned Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal for questioning. The probe agency was targeting leaders of almost all opposition parties, he alleged, adding that the ED and denial of bail to leaders has become a "political weapon" in the hands of the government. Kejriwal has been issued the summons under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) and according to sources, the ED will record his statement in an excise policy-related case once he deposes at the probe agency's Delhi office at 11 am on November 2. Sibal, a prominent opposition voice and a senior advocate, in a post on X, said, "Kejriwal summoned by ED. ED targeting leaders of almost all political parties in opposition." "ED and denial of bail to leaders has become a political weapon in the hands of the government. Time for courts to wake

India must call for immediate ceasefire, says Sibal on Israel-Hamas war

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal Thursday said India must call for an immediate ceasefire in view of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and asserted that there is no space for being partisan in the unveiling tragedy. Sibal said the humanitarian crisis in Gaza with images of innocent children being maimed and decapitated, and civilians being killed is heart-rending and unacceptable. Over 1,400 people were killed in the unprecedented attacks on Israel by Hamas on October 7. Hamas has held more than 220 people hostage in Gaza. According to authorities in Gaza, around 6,500 people have been killed in retaliatory strikes by Israel. In a post on X, Sibal said, "Gaza Tragedy -- The humanitarian crisis in Gaza with images of innocent children being maimed, decapitated and along with civilians being killed is heart-rending and unacceptable." "India must call for an immediate ceasefire. No space for being partisan in the unveiling tragedy," he said. Sibal, who was a Union minister during UPA I and I

How many times will you use Lord Ram for political gain: Sibal to BJP

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Wednesday accused the BJP of using Lord Ram for political gain, and said the ruling party's governance does not display any of his virtues. Sibal's remarks came a day after Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted that a grand temple dedicated to Lord Ram is being built in Ayodhya. "Bhagawan Shri Ram bas aane hi wale hain (Lord Ram's arrival is imminent)," Modi said, asserting that prayers at the temple during the next Ramnavmi will spread happiness in the entire world. In a post on X, Sibal said, "To the BJP How many times will you use Lord Ram for political gain? Why don't you embrace the virtues of Lord Ram: His: valor, chivalry, loyalty, compassion, love, obedience, courage, and equipoise". "Your governance does not display any of these virtues!" Sibal said. Sibal, who was a Union minister during UPA I and II, quit the Congress in May last year and was elected to the Rajya Sabha as an Independent member with the Samajwadi Party's support. He has float

NewsClick row: Founder, HR head move SC against arrest in UAPA case

NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and its HR head Amit Chakravarty on Monday moved the Supreme Court against the Delhi High Court's refusal to interfere with their arrest and police remand in a case lodged under the anti-terror law UAPA. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra took note of the submissions of senior lawyer Kapil Sibal, appearing for Purkayastha and Chakravarty, that the matter needed urgent hearing and asked him to circulate the case papers. "This is the NewsClick matter. The journalists are in police custody. Here one of the accused is a 75-year old man, Sibal said. The CJI said he will take a call on the listing. On October 13, a Delhi High Court bench dismissed the plea against the arrest and subsequent police remand of Purkayastha and Chakravarty in the case. Both were arrested by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police on October 3. They subsequently moved the high court challenging the arrest as well as the

Kapil Sibal slams PM Modi for 'vote bank' remarks against Congress

'Where is the law? Where is the order? ED & CBI is the law? Manipur is the order?' asks the Rajya Sabha member to BJP

Newsclick row: Delhi HC agrees to hear plea against arrest of founder, HRD

The Delhi High Court on Friday agreed to hear during the day a plea against the arrest of NewsClick founder Prabir Purkayastha and human resources department head Amit Chakravarty in a case lodged under anti-terror law UAPA. The matter was mentioned for urgent hearing by senior advocate Kapil Sibal before a bench headed by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma. This is the Newsclick matter. Arrest has been made illegally and in violation of the Supreme Court decisions, the senior lawyer said as he urged the bench to list the matter for hearing today itself. Alright, responded the bench, also comprising Justice Sanjeev Narula. Purkayastha and Chakravarty were arrested by the Special Cell of the Delhi Police on Tuesday. Police have sealed the NewsClick's office in Delhi. The portal has been accused of receiving money to spread pro-China propaganda. On Thursday, a trial court here had directed the city police to provide the duo with a copy of the FIR, citing a 2016 order of the Supreme

'Uncaring govt' must immediately remove CM: Sibal on Manipur situation

Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Saturday hit out at the Centre over the situation in Manipur and said the "uncaring government" must immediately remove Chief Minister N Buren Singh and not let the state "burn" anymore. A fresh bout of violence broke out in Imphal on Tuesday, a day after photographs of the bodies of two youths -- a man and a girl -- who went missing in July were widely circulated on social media. A CBI team is currently investigating the killings in the northeastern state, which has been witnessing ethnic strife for nearly five months. In a post on X, Sibal said, "Manipur: An uncaring government must immediately remove CM Biren (Singh) and not let Manipur burn any more." "Shutters down on the Internet is no solution. Stop campaigning and deal with Manipur now!" he said. Sibal, a Union minister during UPA I and II, quit the Congress in May last year and was elected to the Rajya Sabha as an Independent member with the Samajwadi Party's support. He has floated a ...

'BJP rewards hate':Opposition slam BJP for giving Bidhuri poll duty in Tonk

Opposition leaders have criticised the ruling party for giving Ramesh Bidhuri poll duty in Tonk district of Rajasthan after he made offensive remarks against BSP MP Danish Ali in Parliament