CJI Surya Kant declines to meet INDIA bloc leaders on October 12 ‘with reasons’

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Sunday declined a request by the Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, for a meeting on Monday (October 12, 2026).

The CJI’s office confirmed to The Hindu that the request for a meeting was “declined with reasons”. The office informed mediapersons that the response to Mr. Gandhi has been sent to his official mail.

Sources said the meeting was declined as the issues likely to be raised were already sub judice in the Supreme Court. Besides, the court cannot intervene in matters of governance and functioning of the state on its administrative side.

According to Congress sources, he also cited that meeting political parties would violate the separation of power.

Anti-CEC protest LIVE: October 11, 2026

While the Opposition leaders are expected to lead a march to the Supreme Court, sources said the top judge’s response was that they could raise questions on fundamental rights with the court on its judicial side.

The court has already listed petitions connected to the anti-Chief Election Commissioner and the October 10 clampdown for October 12.

Sources clarified that the CJI had not expressed any view on the proposed march to the Supreme Court on Sunday (October 11, 2026).