‘Nobody Can Browbeat Judiciary’: SC Warns Against Political Pressure After Rahul Gandhi-Led March
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The Supreme Court issued a sharp warning against attempts to pressure the judiciary, reprimanding Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi for leading an INDIA bloc protest march into the top court premises earlier this week.
A bench headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant asserted that "nobody can browbeat the judiciary" while issuing a formal notice directing the Congress leader to explain his conduct during the 12 October demonstration.
Court Demands Explanation Over High-Voltage Demonstration
The bench, which also comprised Justice Joymalya Bagchi, was hearing a batch of petitions surrounding the Opposition’s protest against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.
Taking a grim view of political leaders and supporters marching directly onto court premises, the Chief Justice made it clear that the integrity and decorum of the judicial institution would be protected from external political pressure. The bench instructed Gandhi to submit an explicit explanation regarding his actions and the chaos that ensued on court grounds.
To establish accountability, the Supreme Court directed all law enforcement agencies to preserve CCTV footage and any other digital records collected during the 12 October events. The court also permitted private parties to submit relevant video material for judicial review.
Allegations of Electoral Roll Irregularities Drive Opposition Protests
The hearing coincided with a petition filed by Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders challenging alleged large-scale voter deletions and irregularities in the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision drive.
The Opposition petition seeks full judicial scrutiny of official records, including minutes, file notes, objections, and digital access logs related to disputed decisions taken by the Election Commission. The plea formally names the Election Commission of India, Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi as respondents.
Law Enforcement Directed to Maintain Public Access
Addressing broader grievances connected to the demonstrations, the Supreme Court monitored compliance regarding security restrictions, detentions, and public transit disruptions across the National Capital Region.
The court reiterated its stance against blanket prohibitions on public movement, instructing authorities to ensure smooth operation of Metro rail services and prevent arbitrary detentions while preserving law and order.
