Supreme Court Delhi protest hearing: The Supreme Court of India on Thursday, October 15, heard several petitions linked to the recent protests against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, alleged police excesses and claims of irregularities in electoral rolls. The proceedings also brought Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders under judicial scrutiny over their march to the Supreme Court on October 12.
The court issued notices to the Election Commission of India (ECI), Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi on a petition challenging the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The petition raises concerns about alleged voter deletions and irregularities in the revision process.
Supreme Court Seeks Response From Election Commission
The petition filed by Rahul Gandhi and other INDIA bloc leaders questions the electoral-roll revision exercise and seeks scrutiny of the alleged irregularities. The court’s notice asks the respondents to present their responses to the concerns raised by the petitioners.
The allegations remain subject to judicial examination, and the issuance of a notice does not mean the court has established wrongdoing by the Election Commission. The proceedings could become significant for the wider debate over voter-list accuracy, transparency and the safeguards available to eligible voters.
Rahul Gandhi Pulled Up Over Opposition March
The court also raised concerns over the conduct of Rahul Gandhi and other Opposition leaders who marched towards the Supreme Court on October 12 to submit their petition concerning the electoral-roll revision.
During Thursday’s hearing, the bench indicated that it wanted an explanation regarding Gandhi’s conduct. The observations came amid arguments about whether political demonstrations near the court could be perceived as an attempt to exert pressure on the judiciary.
The court emphasised the importance of maintaining the independence of judicial proceedings. Notices were also issued to Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and others in connection with a plea challenging the Opposition march.
CCTV Footage of Delhi Protests to Be Preserved
In another important development, the Supreme Court directed law enforcement agencies to preserve CCTV recordings and other relevant digital material relating to the protests. Private parties may also submit relevant footage and material, according to reports of the hearing.
The direction comes amid allegations of unlawful detention, assaults on protesters and journalists, and restrictions affecting movement during the demonstrations. The court is examining multiple petitions concerning these incidents.
The hearing also covered complaints about restrictions on Delhi Metro stations and disruption-related concerns. These issues have raised questions about balancing public order with citizens’ rights to peaceful assembly, movement and expression.
What Happens Next?
The notices issued by the Supreme Court require the concerned parties to respond to the petitions and allegations. The court will consider those responses before deciding the issues before it.
The proceedings involve separate but connected questions: the integrity of electoral rolls, the handling of protests by authorities, and the conduct expected of political leaders near judicial premises.
Conclusion: The October 15 hearing marks an important stage in the legal challenges surrounding the anti-CEC protests and the SIR electoral-roll revision exercise. With responses awaited from the Election Commission and other authorities, further hearings are likely to clarify the legal questions and determine the next steps in the cases
