SC Seeks Sanjay Raut's Explanation Over Conduct Issuing Notice to Election Commission
In a courtroom session marked by sharp judicial observations, the Supreme Court of India on Friday, October 16, 2026, issued formal notices to the Election Commission of India and its top leadership on a joint petition moved by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut, and 11 other opposition figures alleging large-scale voter list discrepancies during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). However, the judicial proceedings took a dramatic turn when a bench comprising Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi delivered an uncompromising rebuke regarding public commentary aimed at the judiciary. While formally admitting the petition for preliminary consideration, the bench directed petitioner number six, Sanjay Raut, to tender an explanation for his conduct, making it clear that public attempts to mount pressure on constitutional courts will not be overlooked by the country's highest judicial forum.
"Nobody Can Intimidate Us": CJI Surya Kant Rebukes Outside Commentary and Pressure Tactics
Addressing courtroom arguments where lawyers highlighted attempts by political figures to cast aspersions on the judiciary, CJI Surya Kant stated in no uncertain terms that the bench remains entirely impervious to external pressure. Emphasizing institutional autonomy, the Chief Justice remarked that the court does not operate in an isolated vacuum and remains fully cognizant of statements being made outside the courtroom versus submissions made before the bar. The bench recorded that while the petition filed by Raut under WP(C) No. 1351/2026 is being entertained for the time being, the leader must provide an official explanation regarding his conduct on the next date of hearing. The reprimand follows recent controversial statements by Raut, who publicly voiced intense dissatisfaction after the Chief Justice declined to grant a private administrative meeting to Rahul Gandhi and Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge over pending grievances relating to the Election Commission.
Notice Issued to CEC Gyanesh Kumar: Opposition Demands Judicial Audit of Voter Roll Deletions
Beyond the stern reprimand concerning institutional decorum, the apex court widened its judicial scrutiny into the core electoral petition, directing the Election Commission of India alongside Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar and Election Commissioners Sukhbir Singh Sandhu and Vivek Joshi to formally file their counter-affidavits. The collective writ petition submitted by the 13 opposition leaders challenges the transparency of the ongoing Special Intensive Revision process, alleging wrongful deletions and arbitrary alterations of legitimate voters across multiple constituencies. As a primary remedy, the petitioners have urged the Supreme Court to mandate the constitution of an independent high-powered oversight panel headed by a retired Supreme Court judge and comprising cybersecurity professionals, technical experts, and distinguished citizens. This proposed committee would be tasked with conducting a time-bound forensic audit of all recent electoral roll additions and expulsions to safeguard democratic integrity before upcoming assembly and general elections.
