New Delhi: Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has declined a request to meet Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge over allegations of “vote theft”, citing the fact that related issues are being considered judicially by the Supreme Court, according to sources.
Gandhi, the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, and Kharge, the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, had written to the CJI seeking an appointment between 4 pm and 5 pm on Monday.
The two leaders intended to submit a memorandum seeking the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, a halt to the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls and a return to ballot paper-based elections.
According to sources, the CJI advised Gandhi to approach the court through a formal petition so that the issues could be considered through the judicial process. A hearing could take place on Tuesday, the sources added.
The CJI also reportedly emphasised that the Supreme Court remained available to address violations of citizens’ fundamental rights, saying it was open round the clock for such matters.
The Congress has raised concerns over the electoral roll revision process and alleged irregularities in elections, while the matter remains subject to legal and judicial proceedings.
