Controversial Cases Kapil Sibal Has Fought (Against Indian Government or in Sensitive Matters)

Kapil Sibal is a senior Indian advocate and politician, associated with multiple roles over decades — including being a Union Minister in the Congress-led UPA government, and now a prominent lawyer who frequently argues high-profile constitutional and criminal cases in the Supreme Court.

Some controversial cases where Kapil Sibal appeared as a lawyer that critics have pointed to as being politically or ideologically opposed to the government:

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⚖️ Controversial Cases Kapil Sibal Has Fought (Against Indian Government or in Sensitive Matters):

1. Zakir Naik (Islamic Preacher)

Context: Zakir Naik is accused by Indian agencies of money laundering and promoting extremist ideology.

Kapil Sibal's Role: He appeared in legal representations related to Naik’s passport case.

Criticism: Opponents claimed he was helping someone linked to radical preaching, though legally, defending a client is a constitutional right.

2. SIMI Ban Case (Students Islamic Movement of India)

Context: SIMI was banned as a terrorist organization under UAPA.

Kapil Sibal's Role: He once argued in court on behalf of people linked to SIMI, challenging the ban.

Criticism: The government labeled SIMI as a terror organization; thus, his representation drew backlash.

3. Aadhaar Case

Context: The Aadhaar Act was challenged in court over privacy concerns and mandatory linkage.

Kapil Sibal's Role: He represented petitioners challenging the Aadhaar project’s constitutional validity.

Criticism: Though not a “terror” case, some viewed his opposition as obstructing a key government welfare reform.

4. Triple Talaq Case

Context: This involved the challenge to the Muslim practice of instant divorce.

Kapil Sibal's Role: He defended the practice on behalf of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board.

Criticism: Many saw this as regressive and anti-women, though he was defending a religious group’s traditional practices.

5. Rafale Deal Case

Context: This case involved allegations of corruption in the Rafale fighter jet deal.

Kapil Sibal's Role: He represented petitioners questioning the Modi government's deal with Dassault.

Criticism: BJP accused him of pushing politically motivated litigation ahead of elections.

6. Shaheen Bagh Protest Support

While not a court case, Sibal has publicly defended the right to protest against CAA/NRC laws.

Many BJP supporters saw this as support for anti-government protests.

7. Manish Sisodia (Excise Policy Case)

Context: Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia was arrested by ED/CBI in an alleged liquor scam.

Sibal’s Role: He is representing Sisodia in court, challenging the legality of the arrest and investigations.

Criticism: Seen as defending corruption, though this is still under trial.

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🔎 Important Note:

Kapil Sibal is a lawyer — and lawyers are duty-bound to defend their clients, even if they are unpopular or accused of serious crimes.

None of these cases prove anti-national activity on his part — although some of his political stances and legal representations have led to criticism from nationalist or right-wing groups.

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🧠 Final Thoughts:

Kapil Sibal is often at odds with the BJP-led central government, both in his political role (as part of opposition) and as a lawyer. While his choice of clients or causes may be seen as controversial or “anti-establishment,” labeling them anti-national requires legal proof and not political opinion.