Vikas Barala’s Appointment as Haryana’s Assistant Advocate General Sparks Controversy Amid 2017 Stalking Case

The appointment of Vikas Barala as Assistant Advocate General (AAG) in the Haryana Advocate General’s office in Delhi has ignited sharp criticism.

Barala, son of BJP Rajya Sabha MP and former Haryana BJP chief Subhash Barala, is accused in a 2017 stalking case involving Varnika Kundu, daughter of retired IAS officer V.S. Kundu.

With the trial still pending in a Chandigarh court, Barala’s inclusion in the July 18, 2025, list of 95 law officers has been called out as a serious ethical misstep.

Retired IAS Officers Demand Immediate Revocation

A group of 45 retired IAS officers, all from the 1986 batch including R.R. Jowel and Rajni Sekhri Sibal of the Haryana cadre, have voiced strong opposition.

In a letter to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, they said, “We are surprised to hear that a stalking case accused… has been appointed Assistant Advocate General by your government.”

Drawing reference to the Supreme Court’s 2011 ruling on P.J. Thomas’s ineligibility as Central Vigilance Commissioner due to pending charges, they argued that Barala’s case is no different.

They wrote, “This appointment is against the ‘asmita’ of Haryana. By appointing this accused… you have opposed the slogan of Hon PM’s Beti Bachao.”

The officers demanded the revocation of Barala’s appointment and called on the government to ensure speedy trial proceedings, noting that more than seven years have passed since the incident.

Political and Civil Society Uproar

Political leaders and activists were quick to react. Former MP and actor Divya Spandana questioned the legitimacy of Barala’s appointment, asking, “How did the screening committee approve this?” Her statement intensified scrutiny of the selection process.

The Congress party also denounced the decision, with Dabwali MLA Aditya Devilal stating, “Those who claimed to be against dynastic politics have today appointed the son of a former Haryana BJP president… who was himself an under-trial.”

At a press conference, Congress leader Mahima Singh asked the AG to revoke the appointments and demanded clarity on why seasoned advocates were overlooked in favour of political allies.

Defence and Justification

PWD Minister Ranbir Gangwa defended the appointment, insisting that the committee responsible followed due process and reviewed all documentation.

He dismissed the criticism as politically motivated, stating the opposition was “making a hue and cry over all issues.”

A senior Haryana government official echoed this sentiment, saying, “According to law, there is no irregularity. Barala is eligible and does not fall under any disqualification.”

The official cited the Haryana Law Officers (Engagement) Act, 2016, which only bars those convicted of offences involving moral turpitude.

Varnika Kundu Responds

Varnika Kundu, the woman at the center of the 2017 case, responded to the appointment with a measured but poignant message.

“Appointing someone to a public position of power is not just a political decision, it’s a reflection of values and standards,” she stated. She added that such actions question the ethics of those in power.

She expressed frustration at the protracted legal process, noting, “Though we are no nearer to a verdict than we were five years ago, I remain confident in the judiciary up until the time of the judgment—but won’t deny that confidence has been shaken.”

She also thanked the public and media, saying, “It made all the difference—gave me great courage and still moves me to tears.”

Incident Background

The case traces back to August 4, 2017, when Kundu was returning home around midnight. She noticed a Tata Safari following her.

In her complaint, she stated that Vikas Barala and his friend Ashish Kumar attempted to block her path and tried to force entry into her vehicle. She managed to call the police and her father, and the duo was arrested by Chandigarh Police.

An FIR was lodged under IPC Sections 354D (stalking), 341 (wrongful restraint), 365 (attempt to abduct), 511 (attempt to commit an offense), and drunk driving charges. Vikas Barala was jailed for five months before being released on bail in January 2018.

Appointment and Legal Context

Barala’s appointment is part of a broader hiring process that included nearly 100 law officers.

According to the 2016 law governing such appointments, individuals “convicted of an offence involving moral turpitude” are ineligible, unless pardoned. Since Barala has not been convicted, technically, he remains eligible.

However, critics argue that legal eligibility does not compensate for the moral and ethical implications of the appointment.

The fact that the sister of the judge who granted Barala bail was also appointed to the AG’s office has only fueled further suspicion and anger.

As the controversy unfolds, pressure is mounting on the Haryana government to revisit its decision and uphold both the spirit and letter of justice.