'SC doors open to everyone': CJI Surya Kant explains why he declined INDIA bloc leaders' meeting

Chief Justice of India CJI Surya Kant on Monday said the Supreme Courts 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 meetingSpeaking 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 delegationDelhi On the INDIA bloc leaders request to meet him CJI Surya Kant says 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 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 itmdash IANS ians_india October 12 2026ldquoI 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 confidentialityrdquoCJI says citizens can approach Supreme CourtEmphasising 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 bodiesldquoThe 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 itrdquo he saidEarlier on Monday the CJI had declined the Congressled INDIA blocs request for a meeting ahead of the Oppositions proposed march to the Supreme CourtAccording 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 CourtIssues already before the courtAccording to reports the CJIs 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 meetingThe INDIA bloc had sought an appointment to raise concerns over alleged electoral irregularities the SIR exercise and demands for Kumars resignation The blocs proposed memorandum also called for a return to paper ballots according to reportsINDIA bloc plans march to Supreme CourtDespite the refusal Opposition leaders were expected to proceed with their planned march to the Supreme Court on MondayLeader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi maintained that the march was ldquonot of a political party but of all Indiansrdquo seeking to broaden the campaign beyond the Opposition allianceGandhi 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 contestedThe INDIA bloc had also submitted a charter of demands to President Droupadi Murmu on Friday outlining four demands concerning electoral reforms and alleged vote manipulationWith inputs from IANS