CJI Surya Kant Declines INDIA Bloc Meeting, Says Citizens Can Approach SC Through Petitions

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Monday said the Supreme Court remains accessible to every citizen and will hear grievances in accordance with the law, explaining his decision to decline a meeting request from leaders of the Congress-led INDIA bloc.

Speaking to reporters, the CJI said he had received the Opposition leaders’ letter on Sunday and sent his response the same night. He declined to disclose the contents of the correspondence, citing confidentiality.

“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,” he said.

Emphasising the judiciary’s accessibility, Surya Kant said any citizen, including an ordinary individual or an elected representative, could approach the court through the appropriate legal process.

“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,” the CJI said.

Earlier on Monday, the CJI declined the INDIA bloc’s request for a meeting ahead of the Opposition’s proposed march to the Supreme Court. According to reports, he advised the leaders to approach the court through a petition, as the issues they intended to raise were already under judicial consideration.

The CJI reportedly maintained that a delegation representing a political party could not be received in this manner at the administrative level, reiterating that the judiciary’s role was to hear petitions and deliver judgments.

The proposed march comes amid continuing Opposition protests over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. Opposition parties have demanded the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar over the issue.

Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi has said the planned march is “not of a political party, but of all Indians”. He has also alleged that the government has benefited from the SIR exercise, which has become a major point of contention between the Opposition and the Election Commission.

The INDIA bloc had submitted a charter of demands to President Droupadi Murmu last Friday, setting out four key demands relating to electoral reforms and alleged vote manipulation.

The Opposition’s planned demonstration is part of its broader campaign to press for action on its electoral concerns and build pressure on the Election Commission and the BJP-led government at the Centre.