CJI Surya Kant declines to meet INDIA bloc leaders on October 12 ‘with reasons’
CJI Surya Kant declines meeting INDIA bloc leaders on Oct 12, citing reasons, amid complaints of democratic rights suppression.
Congress leaders Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had written to the CJI and were scheduled to meet him between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Monday (October 12, 2026).
Updated - October 12, 2026 06:48 am IST
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. File | Photo Credit: ANI
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Sunday declined a request by the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, for a meeting on Monday (October 12, 2026).
The CJI’s office confirmed to The Hindu that the request for a meeting was “declined with reasons”. The office informed mediapersons that the response to Mr. Gandhi has been sent to his official mail.
Also Read: Anti-CEC protests continue; journalists detained despite SC order
Sources said the meeting was declined as the issues likely to be raised were already sub judice in the Supreme Court. Besides, the court cannot intervene in matters of governance and functioning of the state on its administrative side.
According to Congress sources, he also cited that meeting political parties would violate the separation of power.
Anti-CEC protest LIVE: October 11, 2026
While the Opposition leaders are expected to lead a march to the Supreme Court, sources said the top judge’s response was that they could raise questions on fundamental rights with the court on its judicial side.
The court has already listed petitions connected to the anti-Chief Election Commissioner and the October 10 clampdown for October 12.
Sources clarified that the CJI had not expressed any view on the proposed march to the Supreme Court on Sunday (October 11, 2026).
Published - October 11, 2026 10:37 pm IST
India / Indian National Congress
Terms & conditions | Institutional Subscriber
Comments have to be in English, and in full sentences. They cannot be abusive or personal. Please abide by our community guidelines for posting your comments.
We have migrated to a new commenting platform. If you are already a registered user of The Hindu and logged in, you may continue to engage with our articles. If you do not have an account please register and login to post comments. Users can access their older comments by logging into their accounts on Vuukle.
