CJI Kant declines to meet Rahul Gandhi ahead of INDIA bloc’s protest march to SC

Mangalore Today News Network

New Delhi, Oct 12, 2026: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has declined a request from Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and a delegation to meet him over allegations of “vote chori” and concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

A detailed response explaining the decision has reportedly been sent to Gandhi. The Chief Justice indicated that the delegation should approach the Supreme Court by filing a petition rather than submitting a memorandum, as the issues raised are already before the court and must be addressed through the judicial process.

The development comes ahead of the Opposition’s planned march to the Supreme Court on Monday. Gandhi had announced the march in a post on X, calling on young people, opposition parties and civil society groups to participate.

“Tomorrow, we will march to the Supreme Court as Indians, united beyond party, gender, caste, community and state,” Gandhi said.

Appealing to various sections of society to join the march, he said youth, opposition parties and civil society groups who believed in democracy and upheld the Constitution should participate.

Gandhi had said the delegation intended to submit a memorandum to the Chief Justice demanding an end to alleged “vote chori”, a halt to the SIR exercise and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Urging people to join the protest, he called for a march marked by “love, brotherhood and patriotism”. He concluded his appeal with the message “Daro mat” (Do not be afraid), declaring that people across India would march to the Supreme Court.

The proposed march follows days of political confrontation over electoral rolls and the functioning of the Election Commission. On October 9, an INDIA bloc delegation had also submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu, raising concerns over the issue.

Gandhi has repeatedly accused the Election Commission of facilitating what he describes as “vote chori” and has demanded action over the SIR exercise and the role of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.