CJI Says Delhi Protests Are Law-and-Order Matters

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said on October 12 that protests in Delhi and restrictions on movement were law-and-order matters outside his domain, while stressing that citizens could bring grievances to the Supreme Court through petitions. Kant made the comments to reporters at Vigyan Bhawan, on the sidelines of an event marking the 33rd anniversary of the National Human Rights Commission. He was asked about protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and associated security measures in the capital. The CJI declined a requested meeting with Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Lok Sabha opposition leader Rahul Gandhi. The two leaders had sought an appointment to present a memorandum on alleged electoral irregularities, the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, Kumar’s position and a return to paper ballots. A letter shared by Congress said Kant considered it improper to discuss pending cases in a meeting and urged them to file a petition instead. Kant said the Supreme Court was open to petitions from any citizen, including elected representatives, and that it would hear matters in accordance with the law.