Politics · India · 1 hr ago
India’s chief justice says protests should not disrupt Supreme Court
India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant said political protests should be peaceful and should not take place at the Supreme Court.
Opposition leaders were expected to march to the court in Delhi on October 12 as part of protests against the chief election commissioner.
Kant said protests should be held at designated locations and must not obstruct lawyers, court staff or people using the court.
Lawyers also raised concerns in court about detentions and the suspension of internet service.
Their concerns followed a police crackdown in Delhi on October 10, after which the Supreme Court ordered authorities to allow traffic and people to move freely, subject to public order.
The chief justice said the court should not become part of political activity and must continue to function smoothly.
Lawyers sought a hearing on October 13, but the account does not say whether one was granted.
India’s Chief Justice Surya Kant said the Supreme Court should not become a site for protests.
He said peaceful democratic and political protests should take place at designated sites.
He said the court must function smoothly and that protests must not obstruct the movement of lawyers, staff or litigants.
His remarks came as Opposition leaders were expected to march to the court during protests against the Chief Election Commissioner.
The Supreme Court Bar Association raised concerns about lawyers’ detentions and the suspension of internet access.
- Who
- Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, addressing the Supreme Court Bar Association and other lawyers.
- What
- He said the Supreme Court should not be drawn into protests and that demonstrations should take place at designated sites.
- When
- Monday, October 12, 2026.
- Where
- The Supreme Court of India.
- Why
- Opposition leaders were expected to march to the court as part of protests against the Chief Election Commissioner.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
The court should not be dragged into anything.
There are designated sites for protest.
They should be responsible political parties.
At least once I would hope Your Lordships to say the same thing to the police…
Police in Delhi imposed a clampdown and carried out mass detentions, according to the article.
Chief Justice Surya Kant wrote to Rahul Gandhi declining his request for a meeting the following day.
Justices Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana held a special Sunday hearing after the detentions and clampdown.
Kant said the Supreme Court should not become a site for protests as Opposition leaders were expected to march to the court.
- Chief Justice
- Surya Kant
- Date of remarks
- October 12, 2026
- Bench members
- Joymalya Bagchi and V. Mohana
- Protest issue
- Anti-Chief Election Commissioner protests
- Requested protest venue
- Designated sites
- Supreme Court Bar Association president
- Pradeep Rai
Sources
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