India
oi-Ashish Rana
The Congress has asked for Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant’s resignation over his comments on the recent protests in Delhi on 12 October. The BJP has hit back at the Opposition party, accusing it of trying to intimidate the judiciary and bringing up the Emergency imposed under former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi.
Congress demanded CJI Surya Kant’s resignation over his October 12th statement calling Delhi protests a law and order issue outside his domain. The BJP criticized Congress’s actions, accusing them of judicial intimidation and recalling the Emergency period.
Congress Targets CJI Over Delhi Protest Remarks
The Congress Kerala unit questioned CJI Surya Kant’s response to a question about the protests and restrictions in the national capital.
In a post on X, the party said, “Dear Surya Kant, If law and order is not your domain, resign now. We will find your replacement who can handle it.”
The demand followed the Chief Justice’s remarks that the protests concerned law and order and were not within his domain.
BJP Recalls Emergency, Attacks Congress
The BJP’s Kerala unit accused the Congress of attempting to pressure the judiciary. It linked the party’s criticism to the Emergency period under Indira Gandhi, when the Congress was in power.
“Don’t think your so-called ‘Iron Lady’ still rules India. The days when you could intimidate the judiciary during the Emergency are long gone,” the BJP said on X.
It added, “This is New India under Narendra Modi Ji. Now shut up and get lost.”
What CJI Surya Kant Said About Delhi Protests
CJI Surya Kant made the remarks while speaking to reporters on the sidelines of an event marking the 33rd anniversary of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in Delhi.
When asked about the protests and restrictions, he said, “Ye law and order ka mudda hai. Ye mera vishay nahin hai,” meaning the matter concerned law and order and was not within his domain.
CJI Directs INDIA Bloc to Approach Supreme Court
Separately, the Chief Justice responded to the INDIA bloc’s request for a meeting over the electoral roll controversy. He said the “Supreme Court’s doors are open to everyone” and that citizens and elected representatives could raise their concerns by filing a petition.
In his reply, he explained that the issues raised by the Opposition were already sub judice before the Supreme Court, making a separate meeting inappropriate. He asked the delegation to follow the judicial process and noted that cases involving similar issues were scheduled for hearing on 13 October.
