Supreme Court Issues Notice on Political Protests Following Opposition March

New Delhi, October 15 (Daily Kiran) : The Supreme Court of India has responded to a petition seeking regulations on political protests around its premises, following a recent march by leaders of the opposition. Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud made it clear that the court cannot be pressured by any external forces. The court has also ordered the preservation of CCTV footage and other digital evidence related to the incident.

During the hearing, the bench, led by Chief Justice Chandrachud and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, listened to arguments from senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia, representing the petitioners. Bhatia argued that the Supreme Court should not have to face situations akin to political rallies.

In response, Chief Justice Chandrachud stated, “No one can put us under pressure.” He emphasized that attempts to influence the court are ineffective and disregarded. The bench remarked, “We are not working from ivory towers. We are aware of what is said outside and inside the court. We know everything.”

The case arises from petitions filed by four lawyers, requesting a uniform system to manage political rallies and protests around the Supreme Court and various High Courts. They also called for a ban on political demonstrations within court premises.

The petitioners argue that political mobilization should not interfere with judicial processes or exert pressure on courts handling ongoing cases. Additionally, they seek the preservation of CCTV footage, visitor records, and security documents related to the October 12 incident, as well as an investigation into the conduct of relevant political leaders for potential criminal contempt.

This controversy emerged after a march organized by the opposition, including prominent leader Rahul Gandhi, aimed to express concerns regarding the Special Intensive Review (SIR) of voter lists.

The situation escalated when Chief Justice Chandrachud declined a request from Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge to meet and submit a memorandum on the SIR issue, stating that the matters raised were already pending before the court.

In a response to the opposition leaders, the Chief Justice clarified that convening meetings to discuss pending cases would contradict the constitutional principle of separation of powers. He highlighted that while the court cannot take administrative action on the matters raised in the opposition’s letter, it is obligated to review cases affecting citizens’ rights.

The Chief Justice advised opposition leaders to approach the Supreme Court through established legal procedures, assuring them that any petition filed in accordance with the law would be heard promptly. Following this, Rahul Gandhi announced that the leaders of the opposition would formally approach the Supreme Court and called on citizens to join their campaign in support of the Constitution and democracy.

Earlier on Thursday, the Supreme Court also issued a notice to the Election Commission regarding a petition filed by Rahul Gandhi and 12 other leaders challenging the SIR process. The bench directed that this petition be consolidated with pending cases questioning the validity of the SIR in various states.

The bench stated, “We are issuing a notice and linking this case with the already pending petitions.” During the hearing, the Supreme Court indicated that it would seek clarification regarding the conduct of one of the petitioners at the next hearing, although the identity of this petitioner has not been disclosed at this time.

The bench made it clear that the notice concerning the relevant petitioner would be considered temporarily, depending on the explanation provided regarding their conduct.