New Delhi: The Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant has declined to meet Leaders of Opposition on Monday, stating that they should approach the court by filing a petition as the matter is already sub judice.
Leaders of Opposition (LoPs) in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha - Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge - had written to the CJI for a meeting with him between 4 and 5 pm on Monday to hand over a memorandum, demanding an end to 'vote chori', CEC Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, halting of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) and switching back to paper ballot.
"Response of Hon'ble CJI to the letter received from Leaders of Opposition has been sent in their official mail," a source said.
According to sources, the response emphasised that the issues raised by Rahul Gandhi and the delegation would be more appropriately addressed through judicial proceedings rather than by submitting a memorandum through the administrative route.
Opposition parties have announced a protest march to the Supreme Court on Monday over their demands. The Congress is calling it 'Chalo Delhi - March for Democracy' and said they would converge at 1.30 pm at Connaught Place-Barakhamba Road junction.
In a post on X, Gandhi said the march to the Supreme Court would be by Indians united beyond parties, gender, caste, community and state.
(With inputs from PTI & ANI)