CJI Surya Kant Rejects INDIA Bloc Leaders’ Request for Meeting Over ‘Vote Chori’

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Sunday, October 11, 2026, declined a request from INDIA bloc leaders to meet him over allegations of electoral irregularities, including the opposition’s claims of “vote chori” (vote theft). The decision came a day before the opposition’s planned march to the Supreme Court, where leaders intended to submit a memorandum seeking intervention on voter roll revisions and the functioning of the Election Commission of India (ECI), TOI reported.

According to reports, the Chief Justice communicated his decision through an email explaining why the meeting could not be arranged. Sources said the issues raised by the opposition were already pending before the court and should be addressed through the judicial process. CJI Surya Kant Completes Self-Enumeration for Phase I of Census 2027.

Why CJI Surya Kant Declined the Meeting

According to sources cited by India Today, the issues the opposition wanted to raise were already pending before the Supreme Court, making a separate meeting inappropriate. The leaders were reportedly advised to approach the court through the established judicial process if they sought protection of their fundamental rights. The sources also said the judiciary could not intervene in the government’s functioning through its administrative role.

Rahul Gandhi, Mallikarjun Kharge Sought Appointment

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi had sought an appointment with CJI Surya Kant between 4 pm and 5 pm on Monday, October 12. CJI Surya Kant Calls for 50% Women’s Representation in Government and Legal Aid Empanelments.

Kharge said the leaders wanted to present their concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, the functioning of the ECI and alleged electoral irregularities. The proposed meeting was intended to seek the Chief Justice’s intervention in the matter.

INDIA Bloc Plans March to Supreme Court

Despite the rejection of the meeting request, INDIA bloc leaders had announced plans to march to the Supreme Court on Monday and submit a memorandum.

Rahul Gandhi said the proposed march would bring together opposition parties, young people and civil society members concerned about electoral transparency. The memorandum was expected to seek an end to alleged “vote chori”, a halt to the SIR process and the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

Opposition’s Allegations Over Voter Roll Revision

The INDIA bloc has accused the Election Commission of irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls and has questioned the functioning of the poll body under Gyanesh Kumar. The opposition has demanded greater transparency and accountability in the electoral process.

The Election Commission and the ruling side have disputed the opposition’s allegations. The claims of electoral wrongdoing remain contested and should not be treated as established findings.

Opposition Escalates Campaign After Meeting President

The latest development follows a meeting between INDIA bloc leaders and President Droupadi Murmu on October 9, during which the delegation submitted a memorandum raising concerns about alleged electoral irregularities and the functioning of the ECI.

The opposition has continued its campaign through protests and planned demonstrations in Delhi. The proposed Supreme Court march is part of its effort to pursue the issue through constitutional and institutional channels.

With the CJI declining a separate meeting, the opposition’s next steps are expected to centre on its planned march and any formal legal proceedings it may initiate.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Oct 11, 2026 11:16 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).