Kapil Sibal Announces Rs 1 Crore Contribution to CJP Legal Aid Fund for Protestors

CJP spokesperson Saurav Das said there was a credible apprehension that criminal cases could be lodged against students across the country despite the assurance given by the Centre. He stated that the CJP was in touch with the Supreme Court lawyer to arrange legal assistance for students who had been booked by the police.

Seated alongside Das, Sibal confirmed that he would provide financial support to the CJP's initiative.

"I have said that wherever peaceful protests have taken place in India, be it Bihar, Assam, Bengal, or Maharashtra, and where students or protestors have been targeted, we have decided to create a mechanism to track the legal cases lodged by the governments, so that our lawyers can provide legal aid.

"We have demanded that there shouldn't be any FIRs, and if there have been, they should be withdrawn," Sibal said.

"From my side, I have contributed Rs 1 crore, and I urge advocates throughout India to extend their help in contributing to this fund so that we can help those affected. Our lawyers are standing up for those who have been affected by the misuse of law," he added.

Sibal also said that the CJP would create a website containing details of students against whom FIRs had been registered.

According to him, the website would also enable lawyers willing to provide legal assistance, either on a pro bono basis or otherwise, to join the initiative, creating a mechanism to support those facing legal proceedings arising from the recent protests.