Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has refused to meet the leaders of the Opposition INDIA bloc on Monday over allegations pertaining to electoral irregularities, urging them to opt for legal recourse by means of a petition as the matter is already sub judice. He emphasised that the top court remains accessible to all citizens, adding that grievances should be addressed by means of established judicial procedures.

His decision came as the Opposition stepped up protests against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, and Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi as well as Mallikarjun Kharge decided to spearhead a campaign against the alleged ‘Vote Chori (vote theft).’

CJI sheds light on his refusal

Gandhi and Kharge had written a letter to CJI Kant, seeking an appointment between 4 pm and 5 pm on Monday to submit a memorandum to him. The demands raised by the Opposition duo include an end to alleged electoral manipulation, resignation of CEC Kumar, a halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) exercise of the electoral rolls, and a return to the paper ballot process for casting votes.

Addressing reporters on Monday after the National Human Rights Commission’s 33rd Foundation Day event, CJI Kant said he had received the request and had responded to it last night, explaining why he could not meet the delegation.

He remarked, “The Supreme Court’s doors are open to everyone,” emphasising that any Indian citizen, including members of the elected bodies, could approach it. He went on to say that legitimate grievances would be considered and appropriate relief would be granted in accordance with the law.

Sources privy to the development said CJI Kant’s response, sent via email, explained that the Opposition’s concerns would be addressed in a better way through judicial proceedings rather than by submitting a memorandum through administrative channels.

INDIA bloc plans ‘March for democracy’

However, the Opposition parties remained undeterred by the rejection, and announced plans to march towards the top court on Monday under the banner ‘Chalo Delhi-March For Democracy.’ Leaders were scheduled to assemble at the Connaught Place-Barakhamba Road junction at around 1:30 pm.

Gandhi, via his official ‘X’ post, said the march would unite Indians across political affiliations, gender, community, caste and state boundaries. He further alleged that young protestors had faced violence during a stir in Delhi a day ago. He added that the movement would involve Opposition parties, civil society groups, youngsters and others committed to democracy and the Constitution.

Kharge accuses govt of fearing youth-led protests

Speaking in Bengaluru on Sunday, Kharge accused Prime Minister (PM) Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah of creating chaos across India. He contended that the deployment of nearly 32,000 police personnel and 7,500 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel in Delhi demonstrated the government’s concern over the youth-led stir.

He maintained that the Opposition would keep the campaign in force in order to defend democracy and constitutional rights. Notably, on Friday, the INDIA bloc leaders had marched to Vijay Chowk from Parliament and later submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu.