NEW DELHI, OCTOBER 12: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant on Monday underscored that the Supreme Court remains accessible to every citizen, stating that individuals and elected representatives can approach the country’s highest judicial institution to seek relief through established legal procedures.
The statement comes amid escalating political tensions over allegations of electoral irregularities and the INDIA bloc’s proposed march towards the Supreme Court, demanding greater accountability from the Election Commission of India (ECI).
Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the 33rd Foundation Day programme of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), Justice Surya Kant confirmed that he had received a request seeking an appointment with opposition leaders but had conveyed his inability to meet the delegation.
The CJI said he had received the communication a day earlier and responded the same night, explaining why the proposed meeting could not take place.
Reaffirming the accessibility of the judiciary, he maintained that the Supreme Court was open to all citizens, irrespective of their position or status. He emphasised that anyone with a grievance could approach the court through an appropriate petition and seek relief in accordance with the law.
OPPOSITION SEEKS JUDICIAL INTERVENTION OVER ‘VOTE CHORI’ CLAIMS
The controversy follows a request by Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi and Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge for a meeting with the CJI between 4 pm and 5 pm on Monday.
The opposition leaders reportedly intended to present a memorandum highlighting their concerns over alleged electoral irregularities, which Congress has described as “vote chori”.
Among the issues raised by the opposition are demands for accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, suspension of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and restoration of the paper ballot system.
The allegations have become a major political flashpoint, with opposition parties calling for greater transparency in electoral procedures. The claims remain allegations and should not be treated as established findings of wrongdoing.
According to reports concerning the correspondence, the opposition’s grievances could be brought before the Supreme Court through appropriate legal proceedings rather than an administrative meeting with political representatives.
The issues raised reportedly include matters that are already under consideration before the apex court.
The position conveyed was that the concerned parties could submit a petition, allowing their concerns to be examined under the applicable legal framework.
Justice Surya Kant declined to make the contents of the exchanged correspondence public, citing the confidentiality of the communication.
Congress and other constituents of the INDIA bloc marched towards the Supreme Court on Monday as part of their campaign against what they allege are irregularities in the electoral process.
The opposition has been pressing for increased accountability from the Election Commission and raising objections to aspects of electoral roll revision and election management.
Rahul Gandhi has projected the proposed demonstration as an effort to bring political parties, civil society organisations and citizens together over concerns relating to the country’s democratic processes.
The planned action has added to the political confrontation between opposition parties and the authorities responsible for conducting elections.
SECURITY MEASURES INTENSIFIED IN CENTRAL DELHI
Security arrangements were strengthened in parts of central Delhi ahead of the proposed opposition march.
Personnel from Delhi Police, the Rapid Action Force and the Central Reserve Police Force were deployed at sensitive locations, including areas around Barakhamba Road and Mandi House.
Barricades were erected at several points to regulate movement and maintain law and order. Restrictions affecting entry and exit at certain metro stations were also reported to remain in force until 4 pm on October 12.
The arrangements came as authorities prepared for the opposition’s planned demonstration in the national capital.
LEGAL REMEDIES REMAIN CENTRAL TO THE CONTROVERSY
The developments have brought the opposition’s demand for action over alleged electoral irregularities into focus, alongside the CJI’s emphasis on approaching the judiciary through established legal mechanisms.
Justice Surya Kant’s remarks reiterated the principle that citizens and elected representatives can seek judicial intervention when they believe their rights or legal interests have been affected.
The concerns raised by the opposition can be examined through the appropriate judicial process, with any relief to be determined in accordance with the law.
