The Aryavarth Express
Agency (New Delhi): Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Thursday criticized Home Minister Amit Shah for his remarks suggesting “special treatment” in the interim bail granted to Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal by the Supreme Court. Sibal argued that Shah’s statement was objectionable and questioned the intentions of the Supreme Court judges.
Shah had reportedly implied that Kejriwal received special treatment, a comment that the Supreme Court avoided addressing directly but noted that critical analysis of its judgments is welcome.
Addressing a press conference, Sibal said, “Shah has made an objectionable statement and questioned the intention of the Supreme Court judges.” He added that Shah cleverly stated that many people are saying the Supreme Court’s decision to grant interim bail to Kejriwal in the excise policy case amounted to special treatment. Sibal argued, “If people are saying and you don’t believe in it, then why say it? If people say and you believe it, then only you have made the statement.”
Sibal, who is also a senior advocate, emphasized the importance of clarifying the laws in light of Shah’s remarks. He pointed out that individuals who are convicted but receive a stay from the court can still file nominations and get elected. He also highlighted that a person facing a charge sheet can campaign and file a nomination, referencing Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh’s actions.
Sibal criticized Shah’s lack of legal knowledge and questioned his statement, “One who just has allegations against him cannot campaign, what kind of a statement is this?” He further condemned Shah’s claim that the BJP would take back Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) if they win 400 seats, asking why they wouldn’t aim to reclaim it regardless of the number of seats.
Responding to questions about the alleged assault on AAP MP Swati Maliwal at Kejriwal’s residence, Sibal remarked, “Why is he (Shah) worried about this (Maliwal assault case)? It’s an internal matter of AAP. You think about Prajwal (Revanna), why don’t you give statements on that? That is the internal matter of JD(S), you are silent there and the prime minister is also silent.”
