CJI Surya Kant Cites Separation of Powers in Refusing to Meet INDIA Bloc Leaders
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant declined a meeting with Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge, saying discussions on pending cases would violate judicial propriety. He advised the leaders to approach the Supreme Court through formal legal proceedings.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has cited the constitutional principle of separation of powers while declining a meeting request from Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge.
In a letter, the CJI explained that the issues raised by the leaders were already pending before the Supreme Court. Discussing such matters in a meeting, he said, would conflict with judicial propriety and the separation of powers, a fundamental feature of the Constitution.
The request came ahead of the INDIA bloc’s planned march to the Supreme Court over its demands concerning Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
CJI Kant also clarified that the Supreme Court’s administrative powers could not address the concerns raised by the Congress leaders. However, he reaffirmed the court’s commitment to protecting citizens’ fundamental rights through judicial proceedings.
He advised Gandhi and Kharge to invoke the court’s judicial powers instead of submitting a memorandum through administrative channels.
The letter also noted that matters involving similar issues were scheduled for a hearing on Tuesday. The leaders could submit a petition physically at the Supreme Court between 10:30 am and 4:30 pm on Monday or use the court’s electronic filing system.
The CJI assured them that any petition filed would be considered at the earliest opportunity, in accordance with the law.
