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 Thenewsdose.com

Chandigarh,July 23, UPDATED: 6:10 PM

The Haryana government’s recent decision to appoint Vikas Barala, son of BJP Rajya Sabha MP and former state party chief Subhash Barala, as Assistant Advocate-General (AAG) at the Advocate-General’s Delhi office has stirred political and legal debate across the state. A controversial past resurfaces

Vikas Barala is not new to public attention. He was at the centre of a national outrage in 2017 when he and his friend Ashish Kumar were arrested for allegedly stalking and attempting to kidnap radio jockey Varnika Kundu, daughter of senior IAS officer (now retired) V.S. Kundu, in Chandigarh. The case, which triggered a nationwide debate on women’s safety and political influence, is still pending before a Chandigarh court. Both accused are on bail, and the next hearing is scheduled for August 2, 2025.

Varnika Opposed Strongly

In a strongly worded statement on Instagram, Varnika, questioned the ethical standards behind the appointment, calling it a reflection of the values held by those in power.“Appointing someone to a public position of power is not just a political decision – it’s a reflection of values and standards,” she said. “So perhaps the questions should be directed at the authorities whose ethics and standards allowed this decision to be made.

Who cleared his name?

Sources reveal that Barala’s appointment did not bypass procedure. A screening committee, comprising two retired high court judges, cleared his name, and the government issued the appointment order on July 18. The Haryana Law Officers (Engagement) Act, 2016, requires candidates to disclose if they have been booked or convicted. While Barala admitted to the pending FIR, the law bars only those convicted of offences involving “moral turpitude.” Since Barala has not been convicted, his appointment was technically permissible.

Yet, insiders in the legal fraternity argue that this is not just about legal eligibility but about optics and credibility. “The appointment of someone still facing trial in a high-profile stalking case sends a wrong signal about political patronage in sensitive legal positions,” a senior advocate told The NEWS DOSE on condition of anonymity.

A pattern of ‘high-profile’ postings

Barala is not alone. The new list of over 95 law officers notified by the government is peppered with prominent names:

• Anu Pal, younger sister of Justice Lisa Gill of the Punjab and Haryana High Court and sister of UT Home Secretary Mandeep Singh Brar.

• Swati Batra, daughter of former high court judge Lalita Batra.

• Ruchi Sekhri, BJP leader from Punjab.

• Nitin Kaushal, son of Punjab’s former chief secretary Sarvesh Kaushal.

Political insiders note that such appointments, especially those of individuals linked to influential families, are part of a broader effort to consolidate a loyal legal team ahead of the assembly elections scheduled for next year. “This is about control and comfort. Governments want people they can trust in the AG office because that’s where sensitive cases, including those against political opponents, are handled,” said a retired bureaucrat familiar with state legal administration.

Political storm brewing

The move is likely to provide ammunition to opposition parties, which have repeatedly accused the BJP-JJP government of rewarding loyalty over merit. The fact that Barala is the son of a senior BJP leader—who himself lost the 2019 assembly election but was later sent to the Rajya Sabha—has only intensified the controversy.

Women’s rights groups and activists who had spearheaded protests during the Varnika Kundu case have already hinted at reviving their campaign, arguing that Barala’s appointment “undermines the fight for women’s safety and justice.”

The debate highlights a broader question: should individuals facing serious criminal charges, even if they are not convicted, be allowed to hold sensitive government legal positions? While the law provides leeway, the optics and ethical considerations could haunt the government. “Governance is not just about technical compliance; it’s also about public trust,” a senior law officer remarked.

For now, Vikas Barala’s appointment has brought back an episode the BJP would rather have left buried—and with the opposition sensing an opportunity, this could turn into a full-blown political flashpoint.