CJI Reaffirms Decision Not to Meet Opposition MPs, Says Supreme Court Open to All
Chief Justice says electoral grievances should be raised through legal proceedings as INDIA bloc parties prepare a protest march over alleged irregularities.
NEW DELHI, Oct 12: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant on Monday reiterated that the Supreme Court is accessible to every Indian citizen, explaining his decision not to meet a delegation of INDIA bloc leaders seeking to submit a representation over alleged electoral irregularities.
Speaking to reporters after attending the National Human Rights Commission’s 33rd Foundation Day function, the CJI said he had received a letter requesting a meeting on Sunday and had responded the same evening, explaining why he could not meet the delegation.
“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 said.
Emphasising the judiciary’s accessibility, he said citizens and elected representatives were entitled to approach the court for legal remedies.
“The Supreme Court’s doors are open to everyone. Any petition from any common citizen or member of an elected body is welcome. Every Indian citizen has the right to approach the court, and we will hear their concerns and grant whatever is due under the law,” he said.
The CJI had earlier declined the opposition leaders’ request for a meeting, advising them to approach the court through a formal petition because the issues raised were already sub judice.
According to people familiar with the development, a detailed response explaining the decision was sent to the opposition leaders by email. The communication reportedly stated that the concerns raised by Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and other delegation members would be more appropriately examined through judicial proceedings rather than through an administrative representation.
The INDIA bloc has been seeking accountability from the Election Commission over alleged irregularities in the electoral process. Congress and other opposition parties planned to march towards the Supreme Court on Monday as part of their continuing campaign against the poll body.
The proposed demonstration prompted heightened security arrangements across central Delhi. Police personnel erected barricades at several locations, while additional forces were deployed to manage the movement of protesters and maintain law and order.
Rapid Action Force and Central Reserve Police Force personnel were stationed alongside Delhi Police teams near Barakhamba Road and Mandi House. Security measures were also extended to nearby public areas.
Authorities announced restrictions at certain metro stations, with entry and exit facilities scheduled to remain closed until 4 pm on October 12 as part of the security arrangements.
The developments come amid an intensifying political dispute over allegations concerning electoral procedures and the functioning of the Election Commission. While opposition parties have called for greater accountability, the CJI’s remarks underscored that grievances requiring judicial consideration must be presented through the established legal process.
The Supreme Court’s position leaves the opposition parties free to pursue their concerns through appropriate legal channels, where the issues can be examined in accordance with the law.
