Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has refused a request from INDIA bloc leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge for a meeting ahead of their planned "Chalo Delhi – March for Democracy" to the Supreme Court. The Opposition alliance intended to submit a memorandum protesting alleged "vote chori" and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, along with a halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Sources indicate that the Chief Justice communicated his refusal via email, stating that the issues the leaders wished to raise are already pending before the Supreme Court. He further clarified that such a meeting would be inappropriate, as the court cannot intervene in government functioning through its administrative role. The leaders were advised that they could seek protection of their fundamental rights through the established judicial process.
Opposition Demands and Allegations
The INDIA bloc's protest, scheduled for Monday (October 12, 2026), centers on allegations of wrongful voter deletions and manipulation of electoral rolls during the SIR process. Opposition parties have accused the Election Commission of India (ECI) of favoring the ruling BJP and demanded accountability from CEC Kumar.
The controversy intensified following reports that Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi had recorded objections on at least 14 occasions over 10 months, primarily concerning decisions linked to the electoral roll revision. The ECI, however, maintains that differing views are a normal part of its deliberations and that its orders are legally sound and follow statutory procedures.
"Chalo Delhi" March and Detentions
The Congress party called for the "Chalo Delhi" march, asking participants to gather at the Connaught Place-Barakhamba Road junction. Rahul Gandhi stated that young people, Opposition parties, and civil society groups would march to the Supreme Court, accusing police and BJP supporters of assaulting peaceful protestors in Delhi on Saturday.
Mallikarjun Kharge supported the call for the Chief Justice's intervention, alleging that Narendra Modi and Amit Shah were creating unrest. He criticized Saturday's police deployment and detentions as reflective of the government's fear of the agitation. On Sunday, over 200 protestors, including journalists and members of student organizations like the Students' Federation of India (SFI) and All India Students' Association (AISA), were detained while attempting to march towards Jantar Mantar amidst heavy security across the capital. Detentions continued into the evening.
Previously, in connection with SIR protests, the Supreme Court had directed the removal of Delhi barricades and restoration of internet services, underscoring the legal complexities surrounding the ongoing electoral disputes.