Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has publicly stated his profound disillusionment with the Supreme Court, declaring he has "lost trust" in the institution. Speaking at a press conference in Delhi on Saturday, October 10, Sibal expressed frustration over the court's perceived inaction on alleged irregularities in voter lists, despite repeated appeals.
Concerns Over Voter Roll Integrity
Sibal's criticism primarily stems from the Supreme Court's response, or lack thereof, to concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. He highlighted that the court had been informed for months about voters' names being wrongly deleted and incorrectly added to the lists, yet no significant relief was granted.
"I am tired of keeping on going to the Supreme Court. I am speaking for myself. I don’t think there is any use of going there. I don’t have much hope in the Supreme Court of India," Sibal stated, adding, "If anyone can save the Constitution, it is the Supreme Court. But I am tired… Whatever has to happen, will happen."
He referenced appellate tribunals in West Bengal, claiming that 93 percent of decided appeals led to voter names being restored. This, Sibal argued, provided clear evidence that a majority of the deletions were wrongful.
Context: Protests and Police Restrictions
Sibal's comments emerged amidst strict police restrictions, detentions, and transport disruptions in Delhi. These measures were implemented ahead of a planned protest by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities.
The former Union Minister questioned the necessity of such sweeping restrictions, emphasizing the peaceful nature of the intended gathering. He further alleged that authorities had detained activists and deliberately disrupted transportation into the capital.
A History of Judicial Skepticism
This is not the first time Kapil Sibal has voiced his concerns regarding the judiciary. In 2022, after five decades of legal practice, he had similarly remarked that he had "no hope left" in the Supreme Court, contending that judicial pronouncements frequently failed to translate into effective protection on the ground. Despite his personal sentiments, Sibal affirmed his commitment as a lawyer to continue fighting cases involving alleged injustice, regardless of the court's receptiveness.