'I have lost trust in Supreme Court': Kapil Sibal says he is tired of approaching SC repeatedly

Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has expressed frustration with the Supreme Court over its handling of concerns surrounding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, saying he has little hope of securing relief from the judiciary. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Sibal criticised restrictions imposed in Delhi ahead of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP)-led protest demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over alleged electoral irregularities. "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 said. He argued that the court had repeatedly been informed about alleged wrongful deletions and additions to electoral rolls but had not provided relief. Sibal pointed to Bengal's appellate tribunals, which have restored voters' names in 93% of appeals decided so far, as evidence of the concerns raised over the revision process. "If anyone can save the Constitution, it is the Supreme Court," Sibal said, while questioning whether approaching the court would yield results. Asked whether he was dissatisfied with the Chief Justice of India, Sibal said his role as a lawyer was to continue fighting cases involving alleged injustice, regardless of whether the court heard them. Sibal questions restrictions on Delhi protests Sibal also questioned the need for stringent security measures ahead of the October 10 demonstration at Jantar Mantar, arguing that the protest had been announced in advance. "Announcements had been made days in advance that people would reach Jantar Mantar on October 10th to stage a protest. Who exactly was under threat? I do not know," he said. He alleged that protesters were detained and taken to undisclosed locations, with families sometimes left unaware of their whereabouts. Sibal also questioned the use of Section 163 to impose restrictions, arguing that the measures were aimed at protecting the administration rather than addressing a threat to society. The protest was disrupted by restrictions across the capital and the detention of CJP leaders who arrived from Mumbai. Around 1,000 people had been detained while attempting to march towards Jantar Mantar, according to Delhi Police sources cited in reports. Supreme Court hears challenge to curbs The Supreme Court heard an urgent mention on Friday challenging the restrictions imposed ahead of the protest. Appearing for CPI(M) general secretary MA Baby, Sibal raised concerns over cancelled train arrivals, metro station closures, internet restrictions and curbs on hotel bookings. "What is happening to my country?" he asked the court. Following the hearing, the number of metro stations ordered to close was reduced from 57 to 45, while restrictions on train arrivals remained in place.