‘Supreme Court Doors Open to Everyone’: CJI Surya Kant Explains Refusal to Meet INDIA Bloc Leaders

October 12, 2026

New Delhi: Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Monday said the Supreme Court’s doors were open to every citizen after declining a meeting request from INDIA bloc leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge over alleged electoral irregularities and the opposition’s “vote chori” allegations.

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Foundation Day event, the CJI confirmed that he had received a letter seeking an appointment and had responded on Sunday night, explaining why he would be unable to meet the opposition delegation.

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“I received their letter yesterday and replied to it last night. The letter was dated the day before yesterday, but I was away, so I received it yesterday. I have given certain reasons in my reply and expressed my inability to meet them. I would request you to ask them about the contents of the letter. I have maintained its confidentiality,” Justice Surya Kant said.

Emphasising that citizens and elected representatives could seek judicial remedies through the established legal process, he said, “The doors of the Supreme Court are open to everyone. Anyone can file a petition, whether they are an ordinary citizen or a member of an elected body. Every citizen of India has the right to approach us. We will hear their grievances in accordance with the law and ensure that those entitled to relief receive it.”

Why CJI Surya Kant Declined the Meeting Request

The meeting request was made by Rahul Gandhi, Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, who is also the Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. They sought an appointment between 4 pm and 5 pm on Monday to submit a memorandum outlining their concerns over the electoral process.

According to reports citing sources familiar with the communication, the CJI indicated that the issues the opposition leaders wanted to raise were already pending before the Supreme Court. The leaders were advised to pursue their concerns through formal judicial proceedings rather than through an administrative meeting with the Chief Justice.

Justice Surya Kant did not publicly disclose the specific reasons contained in his reply, saying that the contents of the correspondence would remain confidential.

The refusal to hold a meeting does not prevent the opposition leaders from approaching the court through a petition, the CJI’s remarks made clear.

INDIA Bloc Plans March Over ‘Vote Chori’ and SIR

The development came as INDIA bloc parties prepared to march towards the Supreme Court on Monday to raise concerns about alleged electoral manipulation and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

The opposition has accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the electoral process and demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. Its demands also include a halt to the SIR exercise and a return to paper ballots.

The opposition’s allegations remain contested. The proposed march was intended to draw the Supreme Court’s attention to the concerns raised by the bloc, with Rahul Gandhi describing the demonstration as a broader effort to protect voting rights.

The INDIA bloc had also submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu on Friday, raising concerns about the electoral process.

Security Tightened in Delhi Ahead of Protest March

Security arrangements were tightened in central Delhi ahead of the planned march. Authorities imposed traffic restrictions and deployed police personnel in areas along the proposed route.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation also announced temporary closure of entry and exit gates at six stations until 4 pm, citing security reasons. The affected stations were Patel Chowk, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat and Barakhamba Road.

The planned demonstration followed protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the detention of demonstrators in Delhi on October 10.

With the CJI declining the requested meeting, the opposition’s concerns can still be pursued through the formal judicial process. Justice Surya Kant reiterated that the Supreme Court would hear grievances in accordance with the law and provide relief where legally warranted.