LIVE: Rahul leaves SC after INDIA bloc files petition over SIR, CEC row
Jantar Mantar is no longer a designated protest site; Centre names 3 new sites in Delhi
The INDIA bloc is taking its fight against Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar to the Supreme Court, with Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi leading a march alongside other Opposition leaders. The delegation is expected to reach the court premises shortly to submit a petition against the CEC.
Chief Justice Surya Kant earlier declined to meet Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul over “vote chori” allegations, saying similar matters are sub judice in the Supreme Court.
Also read: CJP to approach police seeking date to hold peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar
Both Rahul and Kharge had written to CJI Surya Kant, seeking a meeting between 4 and 5 pm on Monday to hand over a memorandum, demanding an end to “vote chori”, Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar's resignation, halting of Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, and switching back to the paper ballot format.
Map showing Jantar Mantar, denotified as a protest site, and the three new designated protest sites in Delhi: Ramlila Ground, Burari Ground and CBD Ground.
In response to Rahul's request for a meeting, CJI Surya Kant said on Sunday that no orders can be passed on the administrative side, as he asked the Congress leader to file a petition on the judicial side that may be taken up on Tuesday, the sources said.
The CJI said the Supreme Court is open 24x7 for all citizens if their fundamental rights are violated, they added.
He also said the Supreme Court cannot interfere with the functions of the executive on the administrative side, the sources said.
March for democracy
Earlier, Rahul Gandhi said that Opposition parties, civil society groups and the youth would march to the Supreme Court on Monday to submit a memorandum to the CJI on behalf of the country.
The Congress has termed Monday's protest “Chalo Delhi - March for Democracy”, for which the leaders are scheduled to converge at the Connaught Place-Barakhamba Road junction at 1:30 pm.
In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi said the march to the Supreme Court would be taken out by Indians united beyond parties, gender, caste, community and state.
“Yesterday, the nation's youth came out in Delhi to peacefully protest. They came with love in their hearts, not hatred or anger. They were beaten, both by cops and BJP goons. This is not the India we want.
“Tomorrow, we will march to the Supreme Court as Indians, united beyond party, gender, caste, community and state. Youth, all opposition parties, civil society groups, and all those who believe in democracy and stand by the Constitution of India will walk with us,” Gandhi said in the post.
“Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Ajit Doval and Mohan Bhagwat cannot silence India's voice. These cowards cannot intimidate us. They will have to step aside. We will march together, with love, brotherhood and patriotism. Daro mat,” he said, adding that “tomorrow, all of India will march to the Supreme Court”.
Rahul also alleged that protesters in Delhi were beaten up by the police and BJP's goons on Saturday. He said they were marching in protest as citizens of the country only because they wanted to protect the Constitution.
Follow live updates here.
Live Updates
- 12 Oct 2026 12:45 PM IST
Rahul: We are preparing evidence on 'vote chori' to submit to President
Rahul: "We are preparing the evidence and are very excited about showing it to the President of India."
- 12 Oct 2026 12:44 PM IST
Rahul: All protests are one now
"There is no parallel protest. Everything is one protest now. If you need our help, we are going to be there for you and we expect the same from you," Rahul says when asked about other protests going on against CEC.
- 12 Oct 2026 12:42 PM IST
Rahul: 'This is Shiv Tandav now'
Rahul: "This is a Shiv Tandav now. There is no planning now. Everything is spontaneous right now. What happened at Akashvani Bhavan was not planned. This is how resistance happens, it's not planned."
- 12 Oct 2026 12:41 PM IST
CJP seeks Delhi Police nod for Jantar Mantar protest, gives 24-hour ultimatum
CJP leaders Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das went to Parliament Street police station to seek a date for a peaceful protest at Jantar Mantar.
Speaking to the media outside the police station, the CJP leaders said they will give the police a 24-hour ultimatum, or they will issue another call to protest. Police tightened security in the area and the road outside the police station was closed as the two leaders arrived.
A public announcement was made outside the police station, asking people to comply with security restrictions and prohibitory orders, maintain peace and avoid unauthorised gatherings.
"We are going to ask Delhi Police for a date to hold a protest at Jantar Mantar. We hope the police will give us a date. If they do not, we will make another call within 24 hours," Ranka said.
CJP leader Saurav Das said peaceful protest was a constitutional right and urged the police to specify a date and time for the demonstration.
- 12 Oct 2026 12:40 PM IST
Rahul: 'Amit Shah, prove to India that you are not cheating in elections'
Rahul: "The minds of the people of Delhi are not barricaded. We are not fighting for the streets, we are fighting for the minds. We are asking one question to Amit Shah, prove to the country that you are not cheating in the elections. Even the President of India has not denied what we have said."
- 12 Oct 2026 12:38 PM IST
Rahul: Messages do come from Gyanesh to me
To a reporter's query on whether Gyanesh Kumar has personally reached out to Rahul over the past few days, he evades a direct response but says, "messages do come; we know you are under immense pressure... We are forgiving people but we will not give up the Constitution"
- 12 Oct 2026 12:37 PM IST
Rahul to Gyanesh: 'Turn approver'
Rahul to Gyanesh: "Turn approver. You have committed a crime. You are not the main criminal. Resign, get out of the way. We might even think of forgiving you."
- 12 Oct 2026 12:34 PM IST
Rahul asks press whether what Modi is doing is right
Rahul asks the press: "How many of you believe that what Mr Modi is doing is correct. Show me your hands."
With no one raising their hands, Rahul says "Not one sitting here... Modiji knows who all are sitting here, and he can see none of them is scared of him."
- 12 Oct 2026 12:33 PM IST
Rahul: Multiple fights taking place now
On the CJI's refusal to meet the Opposition, Rahul says "Multiple fights taking place right now. There are multiple perceptions. Girls are being beaten up. They want to make people believe that India is scared of Modi, Amit Shah. We respect the CJI and SC. We are happy that he has given us a path forward (to file a petition before the court instead of submitting a memorandum to him)."
- 12 Oct 2026 12:30 PM IST
Rahul: 'Persevere. Fight because this country is yours'
Rahul: "Do not fear them. They are cowards. Their system is collapsing. Persevere. Fight because this country is yours."
