SC Bar Association condemns calls for CJI Surya Kant’s resignation

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) have issued strong condemnations regarding recent social media posts demanding the resignation of Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant. In a resolution dated October 12, 2026, the SCBA stated that such statements serve to belittle the judiciary and represent an improper attempt to interfere with the administration of justice. The SCAORA echoed these concerns, warning that public calls for the resignation of the head of the judiciary risk undermining the dignity of the office and eroding public confidence in the judicial institution.The controversy originated from a series of events involving a memorandum submitted by the Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge. The duo had requested a meeting with the Chief Justice to discuss allegations regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls, which they described as “vote chori.” Their demands included the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) Gyanesh Kumar, an immediate halt to the electoral roll revision process, and a transition back to paper ballot voting.Chief Justice Surya Kant declined to meet with the opposition leaders. According to reports, he responded to their letter by citing specific reasons for the refusal, noting that the issues raised were already pending before the Supreme Court. He stated that holding such a meeting would conflict with judicial propriety and the principle of the separation of powers. He further noted that the Court lacked the administrative authority to address the specific demands listed in their memorandum.Tensions escalated on Monday when the Chief Justice addressed inquiries regarding ongoing protests against the CEC in New Delhi. When asked about the demonstrations and the subsequent movement restrictions, CJI Surya Kant remarked that the matter fell under the jurisdiction of law and order, adding, “Ye law and order ka mudda hai. Ye mera vishay nahin hai.” In English, this translates to, “This is a matter of law and order; it doesn't pertain to my domain.”Following these comments, the Kerala unit of the Congress party published a post on the social media platform X, which demanded the resignation of the CJI. The post stated, “Dear Surya Kant, if law and order is not your domain, resign now. We will find your replacement who can handle it.” The post was subsequently deleted after drawing significant backlash from various political and legal circles. Congress leader Pawan Khera clarified that the party disagreed with the statement and maintained its faith in the judiciary, while Kerala Congress leadership indicated the post was made without their formal knowledge or approval.Amidst the criticism, the Chief Justice reiterated that the doors of the Supreme Court remain open to all citizens, including lawmakers, through the established legal process. He asserted that any person with a grievance has the right to approach the court, stating, “We will hear issues in consonance with the law, and whatever rights people deserve, we will grant them.”The Supreme Court maintains that it will continue to function according to constitutional mandates, despite the recent public discourse surrounding the Chief Justice's interactions with political figures. The incident highlights the ongoing tension between political advocacy and the maintenance of judicial independence, as legal bodies continue to urge restraint in public commentary concerning the actions of the head of the judiciary.