NN Vohra new IIC president, Soli Sorabjee steps down

Jammu and Kashmir governor NN Vohra became the president of the India International Centre (IIC) — a prestigious cultural hub in the national capital — replacing eminent jurist Soli Sorabjee, who stepped down on Friday after an intense power struggle.

Sorabjee whose recent re-election as IIC president was questioned by many life trustees and members of the IIC announced his decision to relinquish the coveted post at the annual general meeting on Friday.

“It was done in a very cordial manner. I would now concentrate on work and be seen more in the court,” Sorabjee said.

“First, my family did not want me to continue. They said ‘don’t have this burden’. Second, I was seen more often at the IIC than in the court and so my professional commitment was also getting affected. Third, we wanted to do it in a graceful and cordial manner so t hat there is no controversy or acrimony,” said the former attorney general.

One of the early proponents of Jazz in the city, Sorabjee said he would now spend time organising Jazz Yatras and festivals as his pastime. He is the president of Capital Jazz.

Some life trustees and members had earlier termed his re-election as president invalid during the AGM in March as it was held despite a vacancy in the IIC Board of Life Trustees following the resignation and subsequent demise of MGK Menon. Former diplomat Shyam Saran was inducted as the fifth Life Trustee of IIC on April 29.