‘Grievances Must Go Through Courts’: CM Devendra Fadnavis Defends CJI Surya Kant

Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Monday defended Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant’s decision to decline a meeting with protesters, accusing opposition parties and activist groups of attempting to undermine India’s constitutional institutions.

Speaking to the media, CM Fadnavis alleged that certain groups were pursuing a systematic campaign to weaken democratic institutions and promote what he described as an ‘ultra-Leftist’ form of anarchy.

CM Fadnavis questioned the protesters’ demand to meet the CJI, arguing that the Constitution did not require such a meeting. He said grievances should be addressed through the courts rather than street pressure.

The Maharashtra Chief Minister accused certain groups of discrediting the Supreme Court, Election Commission and Reserve Bank of India (RBI) to erode public trust in constitutional institutions.

CM Fadnavis said protests must remain peaceful and alleged that provocative slogans and the participation of people with criminal backgrounds threatened public order. He further dismissed praise for his handling of protests as a tactic to target higher constitutional offices.

Highlighting his government’s willingness to engage in dialogue, CM Fadnavis said democratic channels should remain open even to insurgent groups such as Naxalites. He argued that efforts to persuade and reform such groups differed fundamentally from permitting lawlessness in the name of activism.

The remarks came after BJP national president Nitin Nabin criticised opposition parties and youth groups participating in protests in Delhi over electoral roll revisions and demands for accountability from the Election Commission.

Nabin accused the INDIA bloc and organisations, including the Cockroach Janta Party, of attempting to destabilise the country following electoral defeats. He further alleged that foreign forces were encouraging the demonstrations to undermine domestic stability and economic development.

Also Read: ‘Peaceful Protest Is A Constitutional Right’: CJP Gives Delhi Police 24 Hours To Respond