Kapil Sibal: Where is Dhankhar, should we file habeas corpus?

NEW DELHI: Leaping onto the silence of ex-vice president Jagdeep Dhankhar and his disappearance from public view since his sudden resignation, former minister and Rajya Sabha MP Kapil Sibal on Saturday asked whether they should file a habeas corpus . Sibal said he tried to speak to Dhankhar but there has been no response, and several politicians have shared similar experience with him. "What should we do? Should we file a habeas corpus?" he asked.

Dhankhar, in his earlier responsibilities as Bengal governor and VP, was very vocal and active in public life but he has not spoken or put anything on social media since his resignation as VP on July 21.

Taking a swipe at govt, Sibal said Dhankhar supported govt throughout his tenure but it now seems opposition will have to protect him. On X, he wrote, "Can we be informed: Where is he? Is he safe? Why is he incommunicado?"

Earlier in the day, Sibal said he had heard of the movie 'Laapataa Ladies' but never heard of a "laapataa vice president". He also said home ministry would be aware of Dhankhar's whereabouts and Shah should give a statement on where Dhankhar is. "Is he getting treatment somewhere? People of his family have also not said anything. What is the issue? We had heard of such things only in other countries but India is democratic so such things should be in public domain," Sibal said.

Meanwhile, sources said govt will soon have to decide on Dhankhar's new home as the VP Enclave would have to be readied for his successor.

TOI has learnt so far there has been no communication from govt to housing ministry with regard to Dhankhar's new home. TNN