New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has declined a meeting request from INDIA bloc leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge over allegations of electoral irregularities, stressing that such grievances should be addressed through the judicial process.
The Opposition leaders had sought an appointment between 4 pm and 5 pm to submit a memorandum raising concerns over alleged “vote chori”. Their demands include the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, a halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and a return to paper ballots.
Emphasising that the Supreme Court remains accessible to every citizen, Chief Justice Kant said individuals and elected representatives could approach the court through appropriate legal procedures. He explained that the issues raised by the Opposition were already under judicial consideration and should be pursued through a formal petition rather than an administrative meeting.
The INDIA bloc has announced a march to the Supreme Court under the banner “Chalo Delhi: March for Democracy”. The demonstration is scheduled to begin from the Connaught Place and Barakhamba Road junction at 1.30 pm on Monday.
Rahul Gandhi has called for citizens from different political parties and social backgrounds to participate in the march, describing it as an effort to defend democracy and the Constitution. He also criticised the handling of recent youth protests in Delhi, alleging that demonstrators had faced violence.
Kharge, meanwhile, accused the government of creating an atmosphere of fear through heavy security deployment and detentions during the protests. He maintained that the Opposition would continue its campaign to protect democratic institutions and constitutional rights.
The latest move follows an INDIA bloc march from Parliament to Vijay Chowk, after which opposition leaders submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu. The bloc has also prepared a joint action plan involving rallies and marches to oppose the SIR exercise.
Opposition parties have alleged that the revision process lacks transparency and has resulted in arbitrary deletions from electoral rolls. They have questioned the Election Commission’s conduct and demanded stronger safeguards to ensure that eligible voters are not excluded.
The controversy has intensified amid reports of disagreements within the Election Commission over electoral roll revisions. The INDIA bloc maintains that its campaign will continue through protests and legal avenues to press for electoral reforms and greater accountability.
