Chief Justice denies permission for meeting; Setback for INDIA bloc in CEC protest

NEW DELHI: Supreme Court Chief Justice Surya Kant denied permission for a meeting with leaders of the INDIA bloc. The leaders had sought the meeting to request intervention regarding the appointment of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

The Supreme Court stated that the meeting was not possible as the case concerning Gyanesh Kumar is currently under judicial consideration. Instead, the matter could be raised through a formal petition. The Court further explained that it cannot interfere in the government's administrative affairs.

The Congress party previously announced that the Chief Justice had granted permission for a meeting with party President, Mallikarjun Kharge, between 4 PM and 5 PM today.

As permission was not granted, a decision has been made to hold a protest march led by Rahul Gandhi from Barakhamba to the Supreme Court at 1:30 PM. Opposition parties and civil society organisations were urged to join the march. The Congress also stated that the protest will be peaceful.