New Delhi, October 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
The Supreme Court on Thursday issued notice on a petition seeking safeguards against political demonstrations in and around court premises following the INDIA bloc leaders’ march towards the apex court on October 12, with Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant asserting that “nobody can browbeat us” and ordering the preservation of CCTV footage and other digital evidence relating to the incident.
A Bench comprising CJI Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi issued notice after senior advocate Gaurav Bhatia, appearing for the petitioners, argued that it was unacceptable for the Supreme Court to have to deal with a political procession.
“Nobody can browbeat us,” the Bench responded, describing such attempts as “fragile” and observing that they did not command attention.
“We are not sitting in ivory towers. We know what statements they make outside and what they say in court. We know everything,” the court remarked.
The petition, filed by four advocates, seeks a uniform framework to regulate political processions and demonstrations around the Supreme Court and High Courts, including a prohibition on political protests inside court premises.
The petitioners have argued that political mobilisation should not interfere with the administration of justice or create pressure on courts in matters pending adjudication. They have also sought preservation of CCTV footage, visitor and access-control records, and security reports relating to the October 12 incident.
The pleas further seek scrutiny of the conduct of political leaders and consideration of criminal contempt proceedings if their actions are found to warrant such action.
The controversy arose after INDIA bloc leaders, including Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi, marched towards the Supreme Court to raise concerns over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
The march followed the CJI’s refusal to meet Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge to receive a memorandum on the issue, noting that the matters raised were already pending before the court.
The CJI had said that holding a meeting to discuss pending cases would run contrary to the constitutional principle of separation of powers, which forms part of the basic structure doctrine. He also clarified that the Supreme Court could address issues affecting citizens’ rights through its judicial jurisdiction and advised the leaders to follow the established legal process.
Gandhi subsequently said the INDIA bloc would approach the court through a formal petition and appealed to citizens to support its campaign concerning the Constitution and democracy.
Earlier on Thursday, the Supreme Court issued notice to the Election Commission of India on a separate petition filed by Gandhi and 12 other INDIA bloc leaders challenging the SIR exercise. The Bench directed that the plea be tagged with other pending cases on the issue and said it would seek an explanation from one petitioner regarding his conduct at the next hearing.
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