Politics · India Bureau
CJI Declines Meeting with Opposition Leaders on Electoral Concerns
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has declined a request from the Leaders of Opposition in both houses of Parliament to meet and discuss allegations of electoral irregularities. The refusal has prompted opposition parties to plan a major protest march to the Supreme Court on Monday.
LSN India ·
The Chief Justice's office communicated its decision to reject the meeting request through official channels on Sunday evening, sources said. Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Mallikarjun Kharge, his counterpart in the Rajya Sabha, had sought a meeting between 4 and 5 PM on Monday to present a memorandum to the CJI.
The opposition leaders had sought the audience to raise concerns over what they term 'vote chori,' or alleged electoral malpractices. Their memorandum reportedly demanded the resignation of the Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, cessation of Special Inclusive Representation procedures, and a reversion to paper ballots for elections.
Undeterred by the CJI's refusal to meet, opposition parties have mobilized for a demonstration at the Supreme Court premises on Monday. The Congress party is leading the initiative, branded as "Chalo Delhi - March for Democracy," with participants scheduled to assemble at Connaught Place-Barakhamba Road at 1:30 PM before proceeding to the Court.
The move represents an escalation in opposition efforts to challenge the government's electoral administration and air grievances regarding the integrity of the voting process. The planned march is expected to see participation from multiple opposition-aligned political parties and civil society groups.