12 October,2026 01:09 PM IST | New Delhi | mid-day online correspondent
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. File Pic/PTI
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Monday said the Supreme Court's doors are open to every citizen and that grievances are heard in accordance with the law, with relief granted to those legally entitled to it. His remarks came after he declined a request by INDIA bloc leaders for a meeting.
Speaking to reporters, the CJI said he had received a letter from the Opposition leaders and replied to it on Sunday night, explaining why he could not meet the delegation.
"I received their letter yesterday and replied to it last night. The letter was dated the day before yesterday, but I was away, so I received it yesterday. I have given certain reasons in my reply and expressed my inability to meet them. I would request you to ask them about the contents of the letter. I have maintained its confidentiality."
Emphasising that access to justice remains open to all, Surya Kant said citizens could approach the Supreme Court regardless of whether they were ordinary individuals or members of elected bodies.
"The doors of the Supreme Court are open to everyone. Anyone can file a petition, whether they are an ordinary citizen or a member of an elected body. Every citizen of India has the right to approach us. We will hear their grievances in accordance with the law and ensure that those entitled to relief receive it," he said.
Earlier on Monday, the CJI had declined the Congress-led INDIA bloc's request for a meeting ahead of the Opposition's proposed march to the Supreme Court.
According to reports, he advised the leaders to approach the court through a petition, noting that the issues they intended to raise were already sub judice and were being heard by the Supreme Court.
According to reports, the CJI's response also referred to the fact that the issues raised by the Opposition leaders were already pending before the Supreme Court. The leaders were advised to pursue the matter through judicial proceedings rather than seek an administrative meeting.
The INDIA bloc had sought an appointment to raise concerns over alleged electoral irregularities, the SIR exercise and demands for Kumar's resignation. The bloc's proposed memorandum also called for a return to paper ballots, according to reports.
Despite the refusal, Opposition leaders were expected to proceed with their planned march to the Supreme Court on Monday.
Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi maintained that the march was "not of a political party, but of all Indians", seeking to broaden the campaign beyond the Opposition alliance.
Gandhi has alleged that the government benefited from the SIR exercise, which has become a major point of contention between Opposition parties and the Election Commission. The allegations remain contested.
The INDIA bloc had also submitted a charter of demands to President Droupadi Murmu on Friday, outlining four demands concerning electoral reforms and alleged vote manipulation.
(With inputs from IANS)
