NEW DELHI : Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant has declined a request from Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, along with other Opposition leaders, for a meeting on Monday, citing related matters already pending before the Supreme Court, according to reports quoting sources.
The Congress leaders had sought an appointment to submit a memorandum raising concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the functioning of the Election Commission of India and allegations of “vote chori”, or electoral malpractice.
According to reports, the Chief Justice conveyed his decision by email, explaining that the issues the delegation intended to raise were already under judicial consideration. He also indicated that the leaders could pursue their concerns through the appropriate judicial process.
The refusal comes amid heightened political tensions over electoral roll revisions and Opposition demands for greater accountability from the Election Commission. Congress had planned a march to the Supreme Court on Monday to present its concerns and seek the Chief Justice’s intervention.
The Opposition has alleged irregularities in the revision of voter lists and questioned the conduct of the Election Commission. These remain allegations disputed by the authorities.
The Chief Justice’s response, as reported, emphasised the distinction between the Supreme Court’s judicial role and its administrative functions. The court cannot use its administrative side to issue directions on matters that require judicial proceedings, and parties seeking legal relief must approach it through the prescribed process.
Related matters are expected to come up before the Supreme Court for hearing on Tuesday, October 13. Any petition filed by the Congress leaders could be considered through the judicial process alongside the cases already pending.
The decision not to grant a meeting does not, by itself, determine the merits of the Opposition’s allegations. The issues will have to be examined through the appropriate legal proceedings.
