Archive · 28 May 2025
Kerala Govt Spends 1.37cr on Kapil Sibal in Two Legal Battles
The Kerala government paid a lot of money, over 1.37 crore rupees, to a lawyer named Kapil Sibal.
This was for two important legal fights.
One was about the government's ability to borrow money, and the other was about a case where gold was smuggled.
The government is fighting the central government's limits on borrowing and defending against an investigation related to a gold smuggling case.
The government wants the trial to be held in Kerala, while the Enforcement Directorate wants it moved to Bengaluru.
This spending has caused debate during ongoing legal battles between the state and central government agencies.
Kerala government spent over Rs 1.37 crore in legal fees for senior advocate Kapil Sibal.
The fees cover two cases: one challenging borrowing limits and another regarding the gold smuggling case.
Rs 46.5 lakh was spent for appearances in the gold smuggling case.
The Enforcement Directorate sought to move the gold smuggling trial, citing state interference.
The gold smuggling case involved 30kg of gold seized in 2020 from diplomatic baggage.
- Who
- The Kerala state government, Kapil Sibal, the Enforcement Directorate, and the Union government.
- What
- Kerala government spent Rs 1.37 crore in legal fees for Kapil Sibal in two cases.
- When
- Expenditures occurred over multiple appearances, with the latest fee sanctioned in November 2024.
- Where
- Kerala, India and the Supreme Court.
- Why
- The government is defending itself against legal challenges, including the central government's borrowing limits and the Enforcement Directorate's investigation in the gold smuggling case, to avoid political repercussions.
Enforcement Directorate
Kerala Government
Trial Location for Gold Smuggling Case
Enforcement Directorate
Wants to move the trial from Kerala to Bengaluru due to alleged interference from the state's machinery.
Kerala Government
Wants the trial to remain in Kerala.
Government's strategy
Enforcement Directorate
n/a
Kerala Government
Focuses on shielding itself from potentially damaging remarks.
- Total Fees Paid
- Rs 1.37cr
- Legal Counsel
- Kapil Sibal
- Cases Represented
- 2 (Borrowing Cap, Gold Smuggling)
- Gold Smuggling Case Fees
- Rs 46.5 lakh
- Borrowing Cap Case Fees
- Rs 90.5 lakh
- Gold Amount Seized
- 30kg
- Gold Value
- Rs 15cr
- Latest Fee Sanction
- Rs 15.5 lakh (Nov 2024)