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 12:29 PM IST
Rahul: If you can't join march, express solidarity
Rahul: "Anyone who wants to protect the Constitution, irrespective of which political party you may belong to, whether you are a journalist or a student or anyone else, join the march. If you can't join, express solidarity in whichever way you can."
- 12 Oct 2026 12:28 PM IST
Rahul claims 50 per cent of police personnel backing their protest
Rahul: "Exactly 50 per cent of the police personnel are telling us that what we are doing is right and we should continue. Police, ITBP, CRPF, the people of India are on one side and Narendra Modi, Amit Shah, Ajit Doval, Gyanesh Kumar, and 4-5 members of the Election Commission who are facilitating 'vote chori' and hijacking the country are on the other side. We are increasing this divide..."
- 12 Oct 2026 12:27 PM IST
Rahul appeals to people to join 'Chalo Delhi' march
Rahul reiterates appeal to everyone to join the protest march from CP-Barakhamba Road junction at 1:30 pm today.
- 12 Oct 2026 12:26 PM IST
Rahul: We will not stop, let it take days, months or years
Rahul: "No matter how many days, months or years it takes, we will not stop. It will require perseverance. We will keep at it."
- 12 Oct 2026 12:24 PM IST
Rahul: We will march to Supreme Court, file a petition; we won't stop
Rahul: "We, the INDIA bloc, will march to the Supreme Court today. We will file a petition. They think they can stop us from marching. They think they can stop this resistance. I want to tell them it won't stop."
- 12 Oct 2026 12:22 PM IST
Rahul claims Delhi Police personnel 'distressed' over orders given to beat up youth
Rahul: "We are receiving reports that police personnel are distressed because they are being ordered to beat up young people, while instructions are being issued to give RSS members a free hand."
- 12 Oct 2026 12:19 PM IST
Rahul says youth will not stop questioning Gyanesh
Rahul: "All this is happening because the Opposition asked one question - why is Gyanesh Kumar not quitting as CEC. The lakhs of people who are protesting are questioning the behaviour of Gyanesh Kumar. They will not stop."
- 12 Oct 2026 12:17 PM IST
Rahul says 'BJP, RSS goons allowed to beat up youth'
Rahul: "The BJP, RSS goons are being allowed to beat up the youth, cops are being forced to thrash the youth."
- 12 Oct 2026 12:13 PM IST
Rahul: Modi is protecting Gyanesh Kumar
Rahul accuses PM Narendra Modi of protecting CEC Gyanesh Kumar.
- 12 Oct 2026 12:13 PM IST
Rahul: Delhi has turned into a fortress
Rahul says Delhi has been turned into a fortress with 20,000 to 30,000 police personnel deployed. He adds that people are being prevented from entering the national capital.
