SCBA distances itself from its president’s letter to Prez Murmu to intervene in Electoral Bonds case
New Delhi: The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) found itself embroiled in controversy after its president, Adish C. Aggarwala, wrote a letter to President Droupadi Murmu, urging her intervention in a recent Supreme Court judgment concerning the electoral bonds scheme.
In an unusual move, Aggarwala's letter sought to protect the interests of corporate entities that have funded political parties through the electoral bonds scheme, a move that has stirred debate and drawn criticism from within the legal fraternity.
The letter, dated March 11, raised concerns about the Supreme Court's decision to reveal the names of corporates contributing to political parties through electoral bonds. Aggarwala argued that disclosing this information could leave these corporates vulnerable to victimization and harassment by political parties receiving less contribution from them. He invoked Article 143 of the Constitution, urging the President to consult the apex court and hold back its judgment on the matter.
Aggarwala's plea came amidst mounting pressure and scrutiny following the Supreme Court's directive for the State Bank of India to disclose details of bonds purchased by corporates to the Election Commission of India for public disclosure. The move aimed at promoting transparency in political funding, but Aggarwala's intervention sought to challenge it on grounds of protecting corporate interests.
However, Aggarwala's actions faced condemnation from the SCBA's executive committee. In a resolution issued on March 12, the committee disassociated itself from Aggarwala's letter and labeled it an attempt to undermine the authority of the Supreme Court. The committee clarified that Aggarwala had not been authorized to write such a letter on behalf of the SCBA, and his views did not represent those of the committee members.
“However, it is noticed that below his signature on that letter he has inter alia mentioned his designation as president of the Supreme Court Bar Association.”
“Therefore, it has become expedient for the executive committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association to make it abundantly clear that the members of the committee have neither authorised the president to write any such letter nor do they subscribe to his views as expressed therein,” the committee clarified.
Elected to the post of president in May 2023, Aggarwala's tenure has been marked by controversy and internal strife. His previous clashes with former SCBA president Dushyant Dave and his inconsistent stances on various legal issues have attracted scrutiny and criticism.
Aggarwala's recent letter to the President is the latest in a series of contentious actions, including his support for the Narendra Modi government's stance on same-sex marriage and his attempts to influence judicial proceedings related to the farmers' protest.
Supreme Court Bar Association clarifies that it has not authorised SCBA President Adish Aggarwala to write to the President of India to not enforce the #ElectoralBonds verdict.
— Live Law (@LiveLawIndia) March 13, 2024
SCBA condemns his letter saying it’s an attempt to undermine the authority of the #SupremeCourt. pic.twitter.com/jjnZJUcJZ9
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KKR defeat LSG via Super Over
Lucknow (PTI): Kolkata Knight Riders edged Lucknow Super Giants via Super Overs in a battle between two bottom-placed teams in the IPL, here on Sunday.
Chasing a modest 156, LSG suffered a batting collapse and managed to tie the contest and take it to Super Over with No. 9 Mohammed Shami striking a last-ball six against a wayward Kartik Tyagi, who leaked 16 runs in the final over.
But Sunil Narine bowled a stunning Super Over conceding just one run and taking two wickets to give KKR an easy target.
Rinku Singh then finished the chase with a boundary off first ball from Prince Yadav.
Earlier the KKR were in deep trouble with 93/7 in 15 overs but Rinku smashed a sensational 83 not out from 51 balls including four sixes in a row in the final over to lift them to 155/7.
Cameron Green (34) was the only other batter to reach double-digit scores as KKR suffered a familiar batting meltdown with Mohsin taking his maiden fifer.
In reply, LSG continued their dismal show with the bat to succumb to their fifth loss in a row.
Brief Scores:
Kolkata Knight Riders 155/7; 20 overs (Rinku Singh 83 not out, Cameron Green 34; Mohsin Khan 5/23). Lucknow Super Giants 155/8; 20 overs (Rishabh Pant 42). KKR won via Super Over.
