CEC row LIVE: Opposition to file plea in SC today; Rahul Gandhi asks Gyanesh Kumar to 'turn approver'
New Delhi: The protest seeking removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar has entered another stage in India as the Congress-led Opposition decided to march to the Supreme Court on Monday. Though Congress leaders Rahul Gandhi and Mallikarjun Kharge announced plans to meet the Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant to raise the issue of Vote Chori, it is learnt that the CJI denied permission for the meeting.
While declining to meet the leaders, the CJI asserted that similar matters are sub judice in the Supreme Court, sources said.
Meanwhile, Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) accused the Delhi police of keeping several key leaders under detention since October 10. The police had detained thousands of people in a bid to block the CJP's protest at Jantar Mantar.
Key Updates
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Preparing evidence and will submit to the President of India: Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi also said that the opposition is preparing evidence to prove allegations against Gyanesh Kumar. He said that once the evidence is ready, it would be submitted before the President of India.
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‘Turn approver, you are not the main criminal’: Rahul Gandhi’s message to Gyanesh Kumar
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi urged Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to turn approver and face the law.
Gandhi made the remarks while responding to a journalist’s question about his message to Kumar.
He alleged that Kumar had been forced to commit irregularities under the influence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Rahul Gandhi urges all Indians to join the SC march at 1.30 pm
“Youth of India would not withdraw from the protest until justice is served,” said Rahul Gandhi. The Congress leader appealed to all Indians to join the protest march to the Supreme Court irrespective of politics, profession, and economic status if they want to protect the Constitution of India.
The protest march will begin at 1.30 pm from Barakhamba Road. -
Opposition to file petition in SC against 'vote chori'
“CJI directed us to file a petition and start legal procedures. Opposition leaders will march to the Supreme Court and file a petition today,” said Rahul Gandhi.
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BJP goons are attacking peaceful protesters: Rahul Gandhi
Rahul Gandhi alleged that the BJP deployed goons to attack peaceful protesters who are seeking Gyanesh Kumar's removal. He said that India is divided into two groups: one led by the people, youth, and the opposition, and the second one is Modi, Ajit Doval, Amit Shah, and Gyanesh Kumar.
“The people of India are fighting against vote chori,” he said. -
Capital city of India is in jail: Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said that Delhi has been fortified by deploying thousands of police to suppress the protest against Gyanesh Kumar.
“ Why Capital City of India is in Jail? Delhi has been turned into a fortress. Narendra Modi is protecting Gyanesh Kumar,” he said while addressing the media in Delhi.LIVE: Rahul Gandhi Addresses Media Ahead of INDIA Bloc March to Supreme Court against Gyanesh Kumar#rahulgandhi #congress #delhipolice #protest #gyaneshkumar #cec #cji #supremecourt #cjp #genz #pmmodi #bjp #delhi #live https://t.co/rQcP9YgNYT
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2026 -
Plea in SC seeks action against hooligans attacking protesters, lawyers
A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking action against the hooligans who are attacking the protesters and lawyers in Delhi. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who mentioned the plea urged the Court to intervene and to stop such hooligans.
A plea has been mentioned before the Supreme Court seeking action against certain hooligans who are allegedly attacking protesters and lawyers allegedly without facing any police action, in the ongoing protests in New Delhi. The plea also raised concerns over videos purportedly showing such persons flaunting their acts of violence and facing no legal consequences. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan who mentioned the plea urged the Court to intervene and to stop such hooligans. “Private hooligans are not being stopped. They are making videos and proudly proclaiming what they have done. I am shocked. I’ve never seen a senior advocated being dragged on the streets. At some point, the Bench will have to come to the rescue of the Bar and young children”, the senior lawyer said. Initially, the Court said the Supreme Court should not become a political battleground. However, after counsel clarified that the matter was a fresh plea seeking action against alleged hooligans, the Court agreed to list it tomorrow along with the other protest-related matters.
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2026 -
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Plea in SC seeks action against hooligans attacking protesters, lawyers
A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking action against the hooligans who are attacking the protesters and lawyers in Delhi. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who mentioned the plea urged the Court to intervene and to stop such hooligans.
A plea has been mentioned before the Supreme Court seeking action against certain hooligans who are allegedly attacking protesters and lawyers allegedly without facing any police action, in the ongoing protests in New Delhi. The plea also raised concerns over videos purportedly showing such persons flaunting their acts of violence and facing no legal consequences. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan who mentioned the plea urged the Court to intervene and to stop such hooligans. “Private hooligans are not being stopped. They are making videos and proudly proclaiming what they have done. I am shocked. I’ve never seen a senior advocated being dragged on the streets. At some point, the Bench will have to come to the rescue of the Bar and young children”, the senior lawyer said. Initially, the Court said the Supreme Court should not become a political battleground. However, after counsel clarified that the matter was a fresh plea seeking action against alleged hooligans, the Court agreed to list it tomorrow along with the other protest-related matters.
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2026 -
Plea in SC seeks action against hooligans attacking protesters, lawyers
A plea has been filed in the Supreme Court seeking action against the hooligans who are attacking the protesters and lawyers in Delhi. Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, who mentioned the plea urged the Court to intervene and to stop such hooligans.
A plea has been mentioned before the Supreme Court seeking action against certain hooligans who are allegedly attacking protesters and lawyers allegedly without facing any police action, in the ongoing protests in New Delhi. The plea also raised concerns over videos purportedly showing such persons flaunting their acts of violence and facing no legal consequences. Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan who mentioned the plea urged the Court to intervene and to stop such hooligans. “Private hooligans are not being stopped. They are making videos and proudly proclaiming what they have done. I am shocked. I’ve never seen a senior advocated being dragged on the streets. At some point, the Bench will have to come to the rescue of the Bar and young children”, the senior lawyer said. Initially, the Court said the Supreme Court should not become a political battleground. However, after counsel clarified that the matter was a fresh plea seeking action against alleged hooligans, the Court agreed to list it tomorrow along with the other protest-related matters.
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2026 -
CJP asks police to give date and time for fresh stir within 24 hours
CJP leaders Saurav Das, Ashuthosh Ranka and others visited Parliament Street Police Station on Monday and asked the officials to give date and time for a fresh protest at Jantar Mantar within 24 hours.
"Police tells everyone to approach them 10 days in advance. We are now saying that they have the choice to tell us the date and time (for protest at Jantar Mantar). We are giving them 24-hour ultimatum," he told media.
#WATCH | Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) Chief Spokesperson Saurav Das says, "Police tells everyone to approach them 10 days in advance. We are now saying that they have the choice to tell us the date and time (for protest at Jantar Mantar). We are giving them 24-hour ultimatum."
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2026 -
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Dipke accuses Delhi police of denying his basic rights
CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke accused Delhi police of denying his basic rights after detaining him ahead of CJP's October 10 protest. Addressing the media, he said that the police did not allow him to call his cousin when he was informed about his grandmother's death. He also challenged the police to release the unedited video, which revealed the officials informing him about his grandmother's death and offering assistance for his travel.
VIDEO | Hingoli, Maharashtra: CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke says, "Delhi Police, if you have the courage, release the entire video in which I repeatedly asked them to let me speak to my cousin, give me my phone for two minutes and allow me to speak to my lawyer. Why are you not releasing that video? You are showing an edited version. If you have the courage, show the entire video so that people can understand how you denied me my basic rights. Allowing a person to call their lawyer after arrest or detention is a legal right. Delhi Police did not even allow me that, and now they are taking the moral high ground. They did not tell me, my parents or my lawyers where I was being held, which police station I was in or where in the country I had been taken. They did not inform anyone throughout the day. At 3.30 am, they deliberately wanted me to call my parents and cause them further distress when they had already lost my grandmother. Was I supposed to give them another shock by telling them that their son was going to be jailed for a long time? Delhi Police was mentally torturing not just me but my family as well. Did the Delhi Police tell my family where I was being held? They kept telling me to speak to my parents, but did they tell my parents which jail or police station I was in? If they did not, why not? Why did they not tell them? Did they have no humanity?"(Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/bIyFWTfmBd)
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 12, 2026 -
Delhi High Court to hear plea against closure of Jantar Mantar protest site
The Delhi High Court will hear a plea against the government's decision to close the Jantar Mantar protest site amid the CJP's call for a demonstration seeking removal of the CEC.
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Rahul Gandhi to meet media today at 11.30 am
Congress MP Rahul Gandhi will address the media today at 11.30 am ahead of the INDIA bloc led Opposition's Supreme Court march seeking removal of CEC Gyanesh Kumar. The press conference will be held at Indira Bhawan in Delhi.
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"Delhi Police mentally tortured me and my family": CJP's Abhijeet Dipke alleges custodial harassment
Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) member Abhijeet Dipke on Monday levelled scathing allegations of "mental torture" against the Delhi Police, accusing the force of harassing both him and his family during his recent detention. Speaking out against his treatment in custody, Dipke described the police’s actions as a calculated attempt to exert psychological pressure. Dipke labelled the police's claims regarding his grandmother's passing as a "lie" designed to extract a confession.
"That is such a lie! They are just taking the moral high ground. They came to me at 3:30 AM with an arrest paper to say, 'Your grandmother has passed away; we don't want you to stay here, so sign this arrest paper.' I told them I wouldn't sign. Then they said I had to sign, and I should call my parents. I asked them, 'Why should I call my parents at 3:30 AM?' They kept me in custody all day; they didn't tell me where I was kept, what police station I was in, or what part of the country I was in. I didn't know, my parents didn't know, and my lawyers didn't know. They didn't tell anyone all day. And at 3:30 AM, they deliberately wanted me to call my parents and stress them out. They wanted me to give them the shock that I would be in jail for a long time. Delhi Police was mentally torturing not just me but my family too. Did Delhi Police inform my family where I was kept? Did Delhi Police tell my parents which jail or police station I was in? If they didn't, why didn't they tell them? Don't they have humanity?" Dipke told reporters.
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BJP slams Rahul, says constitutional institutions can't be dragged into political theatrics
The BJP on Monday took a swipe at the Congress over Rahul Gandhi's request for a meeting with the Chief Justice of India, saying the judiciary must remain above day-to-day political battles.
In a post on X, BJP spokesperson Gaurav Bhatia said, "From separation of powers to desperation for power, Rahul Gandhi has confused constitutional law with political theatre!"
He said the CJI declining to meet Gandhi and Opposition leaders sends an important message: The judiciary must remain above day-to-day political battles.
"Constitutional institutions cannot be dragged into political theatrics," he said.मुख्य न्यायाधीश द्वारा राहुल गांधी और विपक्षी नेताओं से मिलने से इनकार की खबर एक महत्वपूर्ण संदेश देती है, न्यायपालिका को रोज़मर्रा की राजनीतिक नौटंकी से दूर रखना आवश्यक है।संवैधानिक संस्थाएं विपक्ष की राजनीतिक हताशा का अखाड़ा नहीं बन सकतीं।राहुल गांधी जी, संविधान को हाथ में लेकर घूमने से संविधान का ज्ञान नहीं हो जाता।कभी संविधान पढ़ भी लीजिए! विशेषकर शक्तियों के पृथक्करण (Separation of Powers) का सिद्धांत।संविधान दिखावे की वस्तु नहीं, लोकतंत्र की मर्यादा है!
— Gaurav Bhatia गौरव भाटिया 🇮🇳 (@gauravbhatiabjp) October 12, 2026 -
Can't meet Opposition leaders today: CJI Surya Kant
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Monday confirmed that he would not meet Opposition leaders who had sought an appointment with him.
Speaking to the media in Delhi, he said he had received a letter from the Opposition on Sunday and had conveyed his decision to its leadership, citing his inability to meet them.
“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.
#WATCH | Delhi | On INDIA Bloc's protest march and their demand to meet him, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Justice Surya Kant says, "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..." He also says, "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."
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2026 -
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Congress workers gather at AICC headquarters
Congress workers from various parts of India reached Delhi and gathered at the AICC headquarters on Monday morning ahead of the Supreme Court march. Rahul Gandhi and AICC president Mallikarjun Kharge had planned to meet the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant, in person and submit a memorandum seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. However, the CJI declined permission for the meeting.
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We will not back down, says Rahul Gandhi
Congress leader and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said his party would not withdraw from the protest seeking the removal of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
In a video shared on the Congress's official social media handle, Rahul described Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat, National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Gyanesh Kumar as “villains”.
He challenged the authorities to deploy thousands of police personnel, asserting that the fight to protect the Constitution of India would continue.
Rahul also said he was proud of the youth protesting against the CEC and expressed his support for them.
Congress-led opposition will march to the Supreme Court today at 1.30 pm.
𝐖𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐧𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐚𝐜𝐤 𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐧 ✊ https://t.co/L7w1eZ9u0N
— Congress (@INCIndia) October 12, 2026 -
CJP to seek permission for fresh protest at Jantar Mantar
CJP leaders Ashuthosh Ranka, Saurav Das and legal head Ratna Singh will visit Parliamentary Street Police Station today at 10 am. They will seek a date for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar. Ranka declared that CJP would launch fresh protest if police fail to give a date within 24 hours.
Tomorrow at 10AM, me, @SauravDassss, @whattalawyer and other CJP leaders will go to Parliamentary Street Police Station to get a date for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar.@DelhiPolice can give us a date for Jantar Mantar in 24 hours, or we will give another protest call ourselves.@Cockroachisback
— Ashutosh Ranka (@AshutoshRanka) October 11, 2026 -
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Jaick C Thomas alleges police brutality after detention in Delhi
CPI(M) leader Jaick C Thomas from Kerala, who was detained by Delhi Police during a protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleged that he was subjected to police brutality inside a police van.
Thomas claimed that the van had four cells and that he was kept in one of them. He also criticised the BJP government, accusing it of creating an emergency-like situation in Delhi by using force against peaceful protesters. - Reporter TV
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Central Delhi under tight security; RAF, CRPF deployed
High Security is in place in Central Delhi as the INDIA bloc is set to lead a protest march to the Supreme Court against the electoral irregularities and demanding the resignation of the Chief Election Officer, calling on citizens across the country to join the agitation.Security has been tightened with barricades at multiple locations, and entry and exit at certain metro stations will remain closed from 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM on October 12, 2026, for security reasons. Security personnel have been deployed at Barakhamba Road, near Mandi House. RAF (Rapid Action Force) and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel are also deployed along with Delhi Police personnel. - ANI
#WATCH | Delhi: Ahead of INDIA bloc's protest march to Supreme Court today, security personnel deployed at Barakhamba Road, near Mandi House. RAF (Rapid Action Force) and CRPF (Central Reserve Police Force) personnel are deployed here along with Delhi Police personnel. https://t.co/OqoXnAb1om
— ANI (@ANI) October 12, 2026 -
"Respect the decision but will march to Supreme Court": KC Venugopal
Congress General Secretary (Organisation) KC Venugopal on Monday said the INDIA bloc's proposed march to the Supreme Court is aimed at protecting the country's "democratic values" and principles, as opposition leaders called on citizens to join the protest on October 12.
While speaking to ANI about the march, he said the opposition respected the Chief Justice of India's decision not to meet its delegation but remained committed to marching to the Supreme Court.
"The CJI has declined to meet us, provided that open avenue for giving a petition to the Supreme Court by hand or a general legal way. We respect that decision, but we are very much for marching to the Supreme Court tomorrow…" he said. - ANI
#WATCH | Delhi: On the INDIA bloc's protest scheduled in Delhi, Congress MP KC Venugopal says, "This is not only an agitation, but it has become a movement... This movement is to protect the democratic values and principles of this country. The leader of the opposition, Rahul Gandhi, has given a general call to everybody to protect the democracy of our country... People of India will come and join tomorrow..."He further says, "The CJI has declined to meet us, provided that open avenue for giving a petition to the Supreme Court by hand or a general legal way. We respect that decision, but we are very much for marching to the Supreme Court tomorrow..."
— ANI (@ANI) October 11, 2026 -
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Delhi Traffic Police issues advisory for diversions
The Delhi Traffic Police has issued a traffic advisory warning of possible disruptions and diversions at multiple locations across the national capital on Monday.
According to the advisory, traffic diversions will be enforced from 6 am on October 12, depending on the prevailing situation. The movement of vehicles may be affected at several major intersections, flyovers and roads across New Delhi and Central Delhi.
In its advisory, the Delhi Traffic Police said, "In view of the law and order situation, traffic may be impacted on the following stretches in Delhi on 12.10.2026. Diversions will be enforced starting from 06:00 AM on 12.10.2026 depending upon the prevailing situation. The general public is informed that movement at the following points and surrounding stretches might remain affected."
The locations where traffic movement may be affected include Roundabout Shankar Road-Vande Matram 'T' Point towards New Delhi, Dhaula Kuan Flyover, Roundabout Jhandewalan, Roundabout Panchkuian, Roundabout Mandi House, Dr Dinesh Nandini Dalmia Chowk (W-Point), Ram Charan Aggarwal Chowk (A-Point), Minto Road/Deen Dayal Upadhyay Marg and Guru Nanak Chowk. -
Two CJP leaders still remain in detention
CJP leader Saurav Das alleged that four key members of the party are being kept in illegal detention by Delhi police. According to the party, national spokesperson Sudhir Sangwan and joint secretary Balakrishna Shukla were detained by the police on Sunday evening from Connaught Place, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
Das alleged that the detention of the leaders is a clear-cut violation of the Supreme Court order.
🚨#SOS: We are very concerned about the safety of our organisation members Balakrishna and Sudhir.The Delhi Police had detained them today while they were peacefully protesting and their whereabouts are currently unknown. All our efforts to locate them have been in vain. Balakrishna’s brother is extremely worried about his life.The @DelhiPolice is illegally keeping them in detention, incommunicado, and refusing to provide him a lawyer of his choice or let him contact his family members.This is a clear-cut violation of the Supreme Court’s order today. Our lawyers shall move a contempt petition if their whereabouts are not disclosed immediately.@Cockroachisback
— Saurav Das (@SauravDassss) October 11, 2026 -
Delhi Metro shuts entry, exit at six stations ahead of Congress' protest
The entry and exit gates at six Delhi Metro stations, including Central Secretariat, Rajiv Chowk and Patel Chowk, will remain closed till 4 pm on Monday ahead of a protest announced by the Congress against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar. - PTI
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