CJI Surya Kant declines INDIA bloc’s meeting request, says Supreme Court’s doors are open to everyone

Rahul Gandhi calls for a march of “Indians united beyond party.” Get the full story on the CJI’s refusal and the planned Supreme Court march

PGurus Newsdesk

October 12, 2026

“File a Petition”: CJI Declines to Meet Opposition Leaders Ahead of SC March

The CJI reportedly said the court cannot meet a political party’s delegation at the administrative level

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has turned down a request from the Congress-led INDIA bloc for a meeting, saying the Opposition should bring its concerns to the Supreme Court through a petition. The refusal came a day before the alliance’s planned march to the court.

“I replied last night”

Speaking to reporters in Delhi on Monday after the NHRC’s 33rd Foundation Day function, the CJI confirmed that he had received the alliance’s letter on Sunday and responded the same night, explaining why he would not be able to meet them. He added that the Supreme Court’s doors are open to everyone and that every citizen has the right to approach the court.

Why he said no

According to sources, the CJI told the Opposition leaders that the issues they wanted to raise, including the alleged “vote chori” and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, are already before the Supreme Court. He is also learnt to have said that the court cannot hold an administrative-level meeting with a delegation from a political party. The judiciary’s role, he reportedly stressed, is to hear petitions and deliver judgments.

The CJI also reiterated that the court is open 24 hours a day for all and remains committed to protecting the fundamental rights of every citizen.

March to go ahead

The refusal is unlikely to stop the alliance. The INDIA bloc has announced a march to the Supreme Court on Monday, where it plans to hand over a memorandum alleging electoral fraud. Its demands include the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and electoral reforms over alleged irregularities in the revision of voter rolls.

Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X that the march would be by Indians united beyond party, gender, caste, community and state. “Daro mat” (do not be afraid), he added, saying all of India would march to the Supreme Court.

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