SCBA Chief Kapil Sibal Felicitated for Raising ₹43 Crore via CSR for Lawyers’ Welfare
(Judicial Quest News Network)
New Delhi, April 9, 2025 — In an outstanding show of solidarity and vision for the legal fraternity, Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal revealed on Wednesday that he successfully mobilized over ₹43 crore for the welfare of lawyers through Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) contributions—an initiative that left not a single door closed, from corporate giants like Mukesh Ambani to Torrent Group.
The funds were raised as part of Sibal’s ambitious “Symbols Campaign” promise during the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) presidential elections. The campaign aimed to create a more secure and supportive ecosystem for lawyers, especially in matters related to medical insurance and financial welfare.
Speaking at a felicitation event organized at Library II in the Supreme Court premises, Sibal was honoured by members of the Friday Group and the Academic Circle of Supreme Court Lawyers for delivering on his pledge and achieving a historic milestone in bar association welfare efforts.
“Not a single person said no to me,” said Sibal. “From Mukesh Ambani to Torrent, just name it—every friend of mine stepped forward.”
According to SCBA sources, a total of ₹43.43 crore has already been raised, with the final goal set at ₹50 crore well within reach. Sibal confidently stated that ₹45 crore is already in the kitty, and with ongoing efforts, the target might even extend to ₹60 crore.
“This money is not for me—it is for the Bar,” Sibal emphasized, calling the legal community a family that must take care of its own.
Sibal envisions using the funds to build a sustainable lifetime insurance scheme for advocates. Recounting a conversation with an insurance consultant, he shared that to set up a truly long-term insurance model, a corpus of ₹120 crore would be needed.
“If I raise ₹60 crore, the Supreme Court should match it,” Sibal said, adding that he had already spoken to Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna about the idea.
“The CJI said he would write to the government to make that happen. Otherwise,” Sibal quipped, “we should ask Justice Gavai to issue a writ of mandamus,” drawing laughter from the audience. Justice B.R. Gavai is the next in line to become Chief Justice of India.
Advocate G.Seshagiri, founder of the Friday Group, praised the initiative and called for its replication across state and district bar associations, urging local legal communities to follow the SCBA’s example for collective upliftment.
“Let this initiative inspire every corner of the legal fraternity to build their own support systems,” Giri said.
Sibal concluded his speech on a humble and reflective note, brushing off individual accolades and redirecting praise to the legal community.
“Don’t congratulate me—this is my duty. This is about camaraderie and commitment to our collective future,” he said.
The evening marked not just a celebration of one man’s mission, but a defining moment in Indian legal history—where collective will, vision, and unwavering support from all quarters came together for a common cause.
