SC allows Congress delegation to enter premises to file plea as Rahul leads march

Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi addressed a press conference before the march.

NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court has permitted a delegation of 10-15 people from Congress party to go to the filing counter inside the premises as Rahul Gandhi leads INDIA bloc's march to the top court. However, the delegation would be outside the high-security zone to file their petition, sources told TOI.

Lok Sabha leader of opposition Rahul Gandhi began his planned march to the Supreme Court against Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar. The Congress MP called for the "Challo Dilli" protest march, which was planned from Connaught Place to the Supreme Court against the functioning of the poll body.

The opposition continued the protest despite the CJI not giving his assent to a meeting with the opposition MPs on the issue. Earlier in the day, Rahul Gandhi also called for a news conference on the protest. In a post on X he said, "March for Democracy. March for Justice. Chalo Dilli."

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant, however, on Monday said every Indian citizen has the right to approach the court and that the Supreme Court's doors are open to everyone, amid the INDIA bloc's planned protest march to the court against the Election Commission.

Responding to the INDIA bloc's request for a meeting, the CJI said he had received a letter on Sunday and replied to it the same night, explaining why he would not be able to meet the delegation. "I received a letter yesterday regarding a meeting request, and I responded to it last night, outlining the reasons why I will be unable to meet," CJI Surya Kant told reporters after NHRC's 33rd Foundation Day function.

He also emphasised that any citizen or elected representative could approach the court and seek legal relief. "The Supreme Court's doors are open to everyone. Any petition from any common citizen or member of an elected body is welcome. Every Indian citizen has the right to approach the court, and we will hear their concerns and grant whatever is due under the law," he said.

CJI Justice Surya Kant had earlier rejected the INDIA bloc leaders’ request for a meeting to submit a representation over alleged electoral irregularities, stating that they should approach the court by filing a petition as the matter is already sub judice.