Supreme Court Chief Justice declines meeting with Opposition leaders

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has declined a request from the Leaders of Opposition in the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha to meet with him, asserting that the Supreme Court's doors remain open to all citizens equally.

Rahul Gandhi, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Mallikarjun Kharge, his counterpart in the Rajya Sabha, had written to the CJI seeking a meeting. In his response, Chief Justice Kant explained that according to established protocol, he does not hold separate meetings with political leaders or dignitaries.

The CJI emphasised that the court operates on the principle of equal access, where all citizens, regardless of their status or position, have the opportunity to approach the judiciary through proper legal channels. This stance reflects the institutional practice of maintaining the court's independence and impartiality from political engagement.

The development underscores the Supreme Court's efforts to preserve its institutional neutrality, particularly during periods when the opposition has sought to engage with the judiciary on matters of public concern. The refusal to grant special meetings to political leaders, regardless of their position, is intended to uphold the principle that the court remains equally accessible to all.