Democratic and political protests must take place but Supreme Court must not be dragged into it: CJI
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant has stated that while political protests are a democratic right, they should not disrupt the functioning of the Supreme Court. The remarks follow reports of lawyers being detained during ongoing anti-CEC protests in the capital.
Why it matters
The tension between the judiciary and political protesters highlights the challenges of maintaining the rule of law during periods of intense civil unrest.
Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said on Monday that democratic and political protests need to take place, but the “Supreme Court should not be dragged into it”.
“There should not be any inconvenience caused to litigants, lawyers, court staff. I have also requested...” Chief Justice Kant said in open court.
Anti-CEC protests: Follow LIVE updates on October 12, 2026
The CJI’s remarks come even as the Opposition leaders are expected to march to the Supreme Court as part of the anti-CEC protests on Monday (October 12, 2026). The court premises is seeing heavy security presence.
The CJI’s oral remarks came in response to oral mentionings by Supreme Court Bar Association, represented by its president and senior advocate Pradeep Rai, against the illegal detentions of lawyers and suspension of Internet.
“We are doing our professional duties. They [authorities] should not interfere,” Mr. Rai submitted.
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