The Supreme Court was on Wednesday privy to a light hearted banter between Solicitor General (SG) Tushar Mehta and veteran Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal during the case filed by West Bengal government over the alleged misuse of the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) by the Union government.SG Mehta told during the hearing that he does not have a YouTube channel to respond to any criticism from Sibal.The SG was alluding to the senior counsel’s YouTube Channel ‘Dil Se with Kapil Sibal’ in which he has been holding interviews and discussions with various political leaders, lawyers and domain experts on topical issues.The exchange today took place before the bench of Justice BR Gavai and Justice Sandeep Mehta during the hearing of a suit by the West Bengal government against Central government over alleged misuse of CBI in matters concerning the State.
During the arguments today, SG Mehta recalled that Sibal in the last hearing had argued that once the CBI enters the state, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) generally follows.“Last time he said ED enters... They come to count cash seized. From their sitting minister and MPs once 50 crore cash was found,” SG Mehta submitted.While Sibal said the submission was not fair, the Court said,“We are on legal point. Not politics. We know what he (Sibal) meant”.Sibal at this stage said he would then like to withdraw the submission made in the last hearing.Jumping in SG Mehta said,“This is my only medium to respond, I do not have a YouTube channel.”The Court was quick to ask the counsel to resume arguments. “​​This (bickering) will go on till 12 at this rate please start,” Justice Gavai said.However, at a later stage in the hearing, the judges also appeared to make a reference to Sibal's YouTube channel.When Sibal during his arguments drew Court's attention to the larger issues of arrests being made by Prevention of Money Laundering Act, the bench in a lighter vein said,"Do not go wider and beyond your brief now.""At least without Mr (Tushar) Mehta ... There can be another forum for that (smiles)," Justice Gavai added.However, Sibal, who is also a Member of Parliament, clarified that he does not discuss politics in court or courts in politics."We are learning that from a parliamentarian," Justice Mehta responded with smile."Senior Parliamentarian!" Justice Gavai quipped.The humorous exchange continued as the Court took a lunch break.Just before rising, the judges noticed that the boards with 'petitioner' and 'respondent' written on them had been removed on the lawyers side."What happens is anyone would start from anywhere," Justice Gavai said."In this case, we (SG and I) always know we are against each other," Sibal quipped at this stage adding they are friends outside.SG Mehta responded with equal warmth and said,"Only inside court. Outside we are friends."Joining the conversation, Justice Gavai, while addressing Mehta said,"So you do not mind spending your vacation together. Only have issue with spending it with Dr (Abhishek Manu) Singhvi"Sibal said that would affect Mehta's pockets!
TAGS: Supreme Court banter SG Tushar Mehta Kapil Sibal West Bengal government Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) YouTube channel
