"SC doors open to everyone," says CJI on opposition protest
CJI Surya Kant clarifies why he cannot meet INDIA bloc leaders and emphasizes that the Supreme Court is open to all citizens via legal petitions.
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant has sent a clear message to the opposition, asserting that the Supreme Court's doors are open to everyone. This statement comes amidst a planned protest march by the INDIA bloc, who intend to march to the court to voice grievances against the Election Commission.
CJI clarifies refusal to meet delegation
Addressing the media following the NHRC's 33rd Foundation Day function, the CJI addressed the request for a formal meeting from the opposition leaders. He revealed that he had received a letter regarding the meeting request on Sunday and had already provided a formal response late that same night.
"I received a letter yesterday regarding a meeting request, and I responded to it last night, outlining the reasons why I will be unable to meet," Justice Surya Kant told reporters.
Legal petitions over administrative meetings
The CJI emphasized that the proper channel for addressing grievances is through the judiciary rather than through administrative meetings. He noted that any citizen, including elected representatives, has the fundamental right to seek legal relief by approaching the court directly.
Key points from the CJI's stance:
- The Supreme Court welcomes petitions from both common citizens and members of elected bodies.
- Legal concerns should be addressed through judicial proceedings rather than submitting memorandums.
- The court is committed to hearing concerns and granting relief as per the law.
Sources indicate that the formal response sent to the opposition leaders—including the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi—explained that since the matters regarding alleged electoral irregularities are already sub judice, they are more appropriately handled through legal petitions.
High security in Delhi amid protest march
As the Congress and other members of the INDIA bloc prepare to march toward the Supreme Court to demand accountability from the poll body, security in Central Delhi has been significantly bolstered.
The following security measures have been implemented:
- Deployment: Rapid Action Force (RAF), CRPF, and Delhi Police personnel are stationed across key areas, including Barakhamba Road and near Mandi House.
- Barricading: Multiple locations have been barricaded to manage the movement of protesters.
- Metro Disruptions: Certain metro station entry and exit points will remain closed until 4:00 PM on October 12, 2026, to ensure public safety.
The opposition continues to demand transparency and accountability from the Election Commission over alleged irregularities in the electoral process, a movement that has now brought the nation's highest court into the center of the political storm.