‘Approach The Court Through A Petition’: CJI Surya Kant Declines INDIA Bloc Meeting Request

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has declined a meeting request from leaders of the Congress-led INDIA bloc ahead of their planned march to the Supreme Court on Monday, October 12, advising them to approach the court through a petition.

According to sources, the CJI said the issues the Opposition leaders intended to raise were already pending before the Supreme Court. He reportedly stated that the judiciary could not meet a political delegation through an administrative arrangement and emphasised that its role was to hear petitions and deliver judgments.

The CJI reiterated that the Supreme Court remained accessible to all citizens and was committed to protecting their fundamental rights.

The INDIA bloc plans to march to the Supreme Court, demanding Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Rahul Gandhi said the march represents all Indians and accused the government of benefiting from the exercise.

Last Friday, the INDIA bloc submitted a charter of demands to President Droupadi Murmu, outlining four key demands concerning electoral reforms and alleged vote manipulation.

These include Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, the repeal of the 2023 law granting legal immunity to the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, an immediate halt to the SIR exercise, and the restoration of 13.3 crore voters allegedly removed from electoral rolls.

Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge accused the government of shielding Election Commission officials through the 2023 law.

The planned march will, however, intensify the dispute over electoral rolls and reforms.

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