New Delhi : Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant declined a meeting with MPs from the opposition ‘INDIA Alliance’ on Monday, stating that the doors of the Supreme Court are open to all and every Indian citizen has the right to approach the court. In his reply to the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, Justice Surya Kant wrote that holding a meeting to discuss pending matters would violate the principle of ‘separation of powers’ and go against judicial ethics and propriety.

Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had written to CJI Surya Kant seeking an appointment to convey their concerns regarding the Election Commission and request intervention; however, the Chief Justice refused to grant the meeting. In his letter to the Congress leaders, he stated that the Supreme Court possesses no administrative authority to address the issues raised in their letter. Furthermore, the CJI advised the opposition leaders to invoke the court’s judicial powers under Article 32 rather than submitting a memorandum.

The CJI also noted that similar matters are listed for hearing in the Supreme Court on October 13. He advised that Rahul Gandhi and Kharge could file petitions either in person between 10:30 AM and 4:30 PM today or via e-filing at any time. In his letter, the CJI assured that any such petition would be heard as expeditiously as possible, in accordance with the law.

Prior to this, the Congress leaders had hoped to meet the Chief Justice on Monday. That is why Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had already stated they would present their case to the Chief Justice on Monday; however, the Chief Justice informed them that since court proceedings regarding the issue they wished to discuss are currently underway, there is no justification for a meeting on the matter.

It is worth noting that leaders of the INDIA bloc had previously met President Droupadi Murmu, submitted a memorandum, and apprised her of their concerns. Meanwhile, INDIA bloc leaders remain firm on their decision to march from Barakhamba Road to the Supreme Court on Monday, led by Rahul Gandhi. Congress General Secretary (Organization) K.C. Venugopal appealed to everyone to join the march in large numbers, describing it as a fight to safeguard the right to vote. Terming it a ‘do-or-die’ battle, he called upon the public to participate in the march to save democracy.

Report : Abhijit Tushar Bhatt (Political Editor)