‘Supreme Court Capture Bid’: Kapil Sibal Warns of Institutional Control, Backs Citizens’ Right to Protest

Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal has accused the government of attempting to bring the Supreme Court under its influence, warning of a broader pattern of institutional control since 2014. However, he expressed confidence in the judiciary, describing it as the last bastion capable of protecting citizens’ rights, including the right to protest.

Sibal’s remarks come amid protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the ongoing controversy surrounding electoral roll revisions. The demonstrations have triggered legal battles over the detention of protesters and raised wider questions about democratic freedoms and the right to dissent.

Alleging that efforts to exercise control over institutions have extended from the media to other bodies, Sibal warned of the implications for democratic accountability. He nevertheless maintained that the Supreme Court remains a crucial safeguard for citizens seeking justice and protection of their constitutional rights.

The legal struggle surrounding the protests has also brought the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) into focus. The group has consulted Sibal on legal matters concerning detained protesters as it pursues remedies through the courts.

Sibal has previously extended support to student demonstrators and legal efforts to defend protesters. He had pledged ₹1 crore towards a legal fund and appealed to lawyers across the country to contribute, underlining the importance of legal assistance for those facing action over demonstrations.

The controversy has renewed attention on the role of the judiciary in safeguarding civil liberties, particularly when political protests lead to arrests and detention. The right to peaceful assembly and the ability to challenge state action through legal channels remain central to the debate.

While Sibal’s criticism reflects concerns about institutional independence, his confidence in the Supreme Court underscores the importance of judicial scrutiny in a democracy. The ongoing legal proceedings involving detained protesters are likely to keep the relationship between state authority, constitutional freedoms and the independence of institutions in the spotlight.