Kapil Sibal bereaved over father's demise

CHANDIGARH: Noted lawyer HiraLallSibal, father of Union Minister KapilSibal, today passed away after prolonged illness.

He was 98. Sibal breathed his last at the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research Centre at around 10:30 AM, hospital officials said.

He had been admitted in a critical condition a few days back as he was suffering from pneumonia and cardiac problems.

He leaves behind four sons including Virender Sibal, Jitendar Sibal (both retired IAS officers), Kanwal Sibal (former IFS officer) and Kapil Sibal (Union Minister). He also has a daughter, Asha Nanda.

Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal expressed profound grief and sorrow over the demise of the legal luminary.

In his condolence message, he described Hira Lall Sibal, recipient of the prestigious Padma Bhushan and Punjab Rattan awards, as an eminent jurist and an able administrator who had rendered distinguished service in the arena of law and jurisprudence.

Badal said Hira Lall's death had left a void which would be difficult to fill and recalled the outstanding services of the renowned lawyer who practiced for over five decades at the Punjab and Haryana High Court and the Supreme Court.

Badal described the passing away of Sibal as a personal loss adding that he has shared warm ties with the Sibal family for many years.