On 2025-05-11, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, opposition leaders of the INDIA bloc, sent a letter to Chief Justice of India Surya Kant. The letter asked for a meeting between 4 PM and 5 PM on the following Monday to submit a memorandum concerning allegations of ‘vote theft’ and a call for the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
The memorandum the leaders wished to raise covered several points. They wanted to highlight alleged irregularities in the electoral process, focusing on the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, and to draw attention to police actions against protesters in Delhi. The request also framed the meeting as an opportunity to press for accountability from the Election Commission and its chief.
A day ahead of the Opposition’s planned march to the Supreme Court on Monday (October 12, 2026), Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant has rejected the INDIA bloc leaders’ request for a meeting. https://t.co/QaGN9XQaBb
The next day, 2025-05-12, the Chief Justice’s office replied via email, declining the meeting request. The response explained that raising election‑related charges through administrative means or by submitting a memorandum was less appropriate than addressing them through judicial procedures. Because the matter was already known to the court, the CJI advised the opposition to rely on the established legal processes of the Supreme Court for any further action.
While the diplomatic overture was being turned down, demonstrations persisted in Delhi.
A later communication, dated 2025-10-12, recorded another refusal by Chief Justice Surya Kant to meet with the INDIA bloc leaders. The substance of the request remained the same: concerns over alleged electoral irregularities, the Special Intensive Revision of rolls, and police conduct during demonstrations. The repeat refusal reinforced the earlier stance that judicial channels were the proper avenue.
Tomorrow, 12th October, India marches peacefully as one to the Supreme Court. Students, civil society organisations, Opposition parties: Please join us to defend our democracy. #ChaloDilli https://t.co/0daRmwxOoX
While the diplomatic overture was being turned down, demonstrations persisted in Delhi. Protesters were demanding accountability from Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission of India, echoing the opposition’s calls for a probe into the electoral process.
The brief’s framing notes that Chief Justice Surya Kant is described as neutral in his statements, as are the INDIA bloc, Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge. Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar is characterized as critical, reflecting the accusations leveled against him by the opposition.
STORY | Opposition to march to SC to demand end to 'vote chori'; CJI declines to meet Rahul, Kharge Intensifying their agitation against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, the opposition parties would march to the Supreme Court on Monday, with Congress’ Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge seeking a meeting with Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant to raise the issue of “vote chori”. READ: https://t.co/9Iwl5oLUJo
With the meeting declined twice, the opposition is left to pursue any grievances through the courts, as the Chief Justice indicated. The ongoing protests suggest the issue remains politically charged, but the institutional response points to judicial resolution rather than administrative negotiation.
