CJI declines INDIA bloc meeting request ahead of tomorrow's march to Supreme Court

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has declined a request for a meeting with senior INDIA bloc leaders ahead of their proposed march to the Supreme Court on Monday, sources said on Sunday, dealing a setback to the Opposition's plan to submit a memorandum seeking intervention over alleged electoral irregularities and the functioning of the Election Commission.

The development came hours after Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi announced that they had sought an appointment with the Chief Justice between 4 pm and 5 pm on October 12. The proposed meeting was intended to raise concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, allegations of electoral malpractice and the Opposition's demand for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The refusal was reported by NDTV, citing sources. There was no indication that the Chief Justice's decision amounted to a judicial determination on the allegations raised by the Opposition or on the legality of the proposed demonstration.

Opposition plans march

Earlier on Sunday, Gandhi called upon opposition parties, young people and civil society organisations to join the march, describing it as a collective effort to defend electoral democracy and constitutional institutions. He said the participants would demand an end to alleged "vote chori", the suspension of the SIR exercise and the removal of Kumar as Chief Election Commissioner.

In a video message, Gandhi alleged that young protesters who had gathered in Delhi on Saturday were assaulted by police personnel and BJP workers. He said the Opposition would continue its agitation despite restrictions and appealed to citizens to participate peacefully in Monday's demonstration. The allegations against police personnel and BJP workers have not been independently established.

Kharge said he and Gandhi had written to the Chief Justice seeking an opportunity to explain their concerns. Speaking earlier in the day, the Congress president said the leaders intended to place their grievances before the judiciary and request its intervention rather than issue demands to the court.

The Congress has also asked its MPs to remain in Delhi on Monday for the planned mobilisation. Opposition leaders are expected to assemble at India Gate before proceeding towards the Supreme Court, although the arrangements for the march could be affected by security restrictions.

Questions over judicial process

The proposed demonstration has also prompted objections from sections of the legal fraternity. Senior advocate and former Supreme Court Bar Association president Adish C Aggarwala urged Gandhi to call off the march, arguing that a political demonstration directed towards the Supreme Court could place undue pressure on the judiciary.

In a letter to Gandhi, Aggarwala maintained that grievances concerning the Election Commission's decisions should be pursued through appropriate judicial proceedings rather than a political memorandum to the Chief Justice. He also pointed out that the Chief Justice, acting in an administrative capacity, does not possess the authority to direct the resignation or removal of the Chief Election Commissioner.