'What A Shame': VP Dhankhar Condemns Sibal's 'Symptomatic Malaise' Comment On Kolkata Rape-Murder Case

Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar on Friday condemned the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) President Kapil Sibal for referring to acts of violence against women as a “symptomatic malaise” amid the nationwide outrage over the Kolkata rape-murder case.

Dhankhar’s remarks follow a controversial resolution passed by Sibal on August 21, addressing the rape-murder case at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Sibal’s resolution described the incident as a symptomatic malaise, which has sparked significant criticism from within the SCBA and beyond.

‘I am pained’

Dhankhar stressed that the comments in the resolution undermine the severity of violence against women and reflect poorly on someone in a high-profile position.

“I am pained that someone holding a position in the Supreme Court Bar, a Member of Parliament, can term such acts of violence against women as ‘a symptomatic malaise’. How can one suggest that such incidents are commonplace? What a shame! Words fail me in condemning such a stance. It is a great injustice to such a high position,” Dhankhar said in a post on ‘X’.

‘Enough is enough’

Referring to President Droupadi Murmu’s recent article, he added, “Let us echo what the President of India has said: enough is enough! I want this clarion call to be a national call. I want everyone to be participant in this call. Let us resolve to create a system of zero accommodation, zero tolerance for such outrageous incidents of violence.”

Earlier, former SCBA President Adish C. Aggarwala demanded that Sibal withdraw the resolution and apologise publicly, warning that failure to do so could result in a no-confidence motion. Aggarwala has accused Sibal of undermining the seriousness of the case and of having a conflict of interest, as Sibal represents the West Bengal government in the matter.

The resolution and Sibal’s comments have been met with backlash from various members of the SCBA, who argue that the resolution was not properly approved and that it damages the credibility of the SCBA.