Archive · 12 Oct 2026
CJI Declines Opposition Meeting as Delhi March Proceeds
Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge asked India’s Chief Justice, Surya Kant, to meet them on Monday.
They wanted to give him a letter about what they say is unfair handling of elections.
They asked for changes including stopping a review of voter lists and returning to paper ballots.
The Chief Justice did not agree to meet them.
Reports differed on how much he explained: some gave no reason, while others said related cases were already before the court and suggested filing a petition.
Opposition parties planned a march to the Supreme Court at 1:30 p.m.
in Delhi.
Gandhi also accused police and BJP supporters of assaulting young protesters, while Kharge criticized the police deployment and detentions.
The BJP and Election Commission rejected the opposition’s claims of electoral manipulation.
Six metro stations were scheduled to close their entry and exit during part of the day, while interchange remained available.
Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge sought a Monday meeting with Chief Justice Surya Kant to submit a memorandum on alleged “vote chori.”
Their demands included Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, stopping the electoral-roll Special Intensive Revision, and returning to paper ballots.
Sources gave differing detail about the CJI’s response: some said only that he declined, while PTI reports said he cited pending cases and suggested filing a petition for possible Tuesday consideration.
The INDIA bloc planned its “Chalo Delhi – March for Democracy” from the Connaught Place-Barakhamba Road junction towards the Supreme Court at 1:30 p.m.
Delhi Metro entry and exit were scheduled to close at six stations from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.; interchange facilities were to remain available.
- Who
- Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge sought a meeting with Chief Justice Surya Kant; INDIA bloc opposition parties planned the march.
- What
- The leaders sought to submit a memorandum on alleged “vote chori,” and opposition parties planned a march to the Supreme Court.
- When
- The requested meeting and march were scheduled for Monday; the reports describe developments announced on Sunday, October 11.
- Where
- New Delhi; the march was to assemble at the Connaught Place-Barakhamba Road junction and proceed towards the Supreme Court.
- Why
- The opposition said it wanted action on alleged electoral manipulation, including halting the Special Intensive Revision and restoring paper ballots.
Opposition leaders
BJP and Election Commission
Alleged electoral manipulation
Opposition leaders
Opposition leaders alleged “vote chori” and demanded Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, a halt to the Special Intensive Revision, and a return to paper ballots.
BJP and Election Commission
The BJP and the Election Commission rejected the opposition’s allegations of electoral manipulation.
Police response to protests
Opposition leaders
Gandhi alleged that police personnel and BJP supporters assaulted young protesters; Kharge criticized police deployment and detentions and described the situation as an undeclared Emergency.
BJP and Election Commission
The reports do not provide a direct response from the BJP or government to these specific allegations.
- Meeting request
- Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge requested a meeting with the CJI between 4 p.m. and 5 p.m. Monday.
- CJI response
- He declined the meeting. Some reports gave no reason; PTI reports said he cited matters sub judice, said orders could not be passed administratively, and suggested a petition that might be taken up Tuesday.
- Memorandum demands
- End alleged “vote chori,” seek Gyanesh Kumar’s resignation, halt the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, and return to paper ballots.
- Planned march
- “Chalo Delhi – March for Democracy,” scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Monday.
- March assembly point
- Connaught Place-Barakhamba Road junction, New Delhi.
- Metro restrictions
- Entry and exit at Patel Chowk, Janpath, Rajiv Chowk, Mandi House, Central Secretariat, and Barakhamba Road stations were scheduled to close from 6 a.m. to 4 p.m.; interchange facilities were to remain available.
- Earlier INDIA bloc action
- On Friday, bloc leaders marched from Parliament to Vijay Chowk and submitted a memorandum to President Droupadi Murmu.
Sources
CJI Surya Kant 'refuses to meet' Opposition leaders who want to discuss 'vote theft' - Telegraph India
Opposition Stir Today, CJI No To Cong. Meet
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