CJI rejects INDIA bloc's meeting request over 'vote chori' ahead of march to SC

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has declined a meeting request from Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, saying the issues he sought to discuss, including alleged 'vote chori' and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, are already pending before the Supreme Court, sources said on Sunday.

Rahul Gandhi had sought an appointment with the CJI for Monday to discuss concerns related to the SIR exercise and matters concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

In response to Rahul Gandhi’s official email, the CJI said a meeting would not be



appropriate as the issues raised were sub judice before the apex court, according to sources.

The CJI also clarified that under the constitutional framework, the Supreme Court cannot interfere in the government's functioning at an administrative level; however, leaders are free to approach the court on the judicial side to protect their fundamental rights.

The opposition leaders were also informed that any petition filed by any opposition member can be heard along with the similar matters relating to the SIR exercise which are already listed for hearing before the Supreme Court on Tuesday.