In a swift and highly scrutinized move, the Haryana government has withdrawn the appointment of Vikas Barala, son of senior BJP leader and former Haryana unit chief Subhash Barala, from the position of Assistant Advocate General (AAG). The decision comes just ten days after his controversial selection, following mounting criticism related to his pending involvement in the Varnika Kundu stalking case.
According to government notifications issued this week, Barala’s name was removed from the official list of newly appointed law officers due to his failure to formally assume the role. However, sources suggest that the backlash stemming from his criminal background in the 2017 case significantly influenced the reversal.
A Storm Over a Stalking Case
Vikas Barala was at the center of a national controversy in 2017 when he was accused, along with his friend Ashish Kumar, of stalking Varnika Kundu, a young woman driving home late at night in Chandigarh. Kundu, the daughter of a senior IAS officer, lodged a police complaint that led to the registration of a case under Sections 354D (stalking), 341, 365, and 511 of the Indian Penal Code.
Despite the gravity of the charges and the ongoing trial, Barala was named Assistant Advocate General on July 18, 2025, as part of a broader recruitment of 97 law officers. The decision triggered widespread condemnation from civil society, opposition leaders, and even former bureaucrats.
Public Backlash Forces a U-Turn
The appointment was met with fierce resistance from multiple quarters. A group of 45 retired IAS officers wrote an open letter to Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini, stating that Barala’s inclusion in the legal team of the state was a direct affront to the principles of justice and the government’s own “Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao” campaign.
Adding to the criticism, Varnika Kundu broke her silence with a strongly worded social media post:
“Appointing someone to a public position of power is not just a political act—it reflects the values we choose to uphold as a society.”
She added that her faith in the legal system had diminished, as the case has dragged on for over seven years with more than 100 hearings, many of which have ended in adjournments.
Political, Legal, and Ethical Implications
The revocation of Barala’s appointment is not just a political retreat; it is a statement on the ethical expectations of public service. Critics argue that such appointments, especially of individuals facing serious criminal charges, erode public trust in the legal and political systems.
Sources within the legal department have confirmed that Barala’s appointment was rescinded formally on grounds of non-joining, but insiders admit the intense public and media pressure played a significant role in the decision.
In fact, the move has triggered internal debate within the ruling party, with several voices questioning the diligence of the screening process that allowed Barala’s name to be shortlisted.
A Reflection of Public Accountability
The Barala episode underscores the increasing power of civil society and public discourse in holding political figures accountable. It highlights the role of survivor-led activism, bureaucratic conscience, and media scrutiny in ensuring that governance remains ethically grounded.
The next hearing in the stalking case is scheduled for August 2, 2025. Whether the judicial system can expedite justice in this long-standing case remains a pressing question.
Conclusion The Vikas Barala episode is more than just a headline—it’s a case study in ethics, governance, and civic action. It illustrates how public accountability and institutional integrity must prevail over political favoritism, especially in matters concerning women’s safety and the rule of law.
Photo Credit: The Tribune
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