SCAORA backs CJI Surya Kant, says parties must seek relief through courts

SCAORA has backed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant after he declined a meeting sought by Congress leaders. The move reinforces that political grievances over pending matters must be pursued only through the judicial process.Stock photo used for illustrationNewdelhi,Oct 12, 2026 19:22 ISTThe Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) on Monday backed Chief Justice of India Surya Kant’s stand that political parties must use the judicial process to seek redress for their grievances. The association said the independence of the judiciary must be respected by all and that every judicial resolution must be pursued through legal process.In a resolution, SCAORA said it was committed to the independence of the judiciary and supported the Chief Justice’s view that grievances should be raised before the court in accordance with law. It also said no action should be taken that could obstruct the functioning of courts or affect the fair and independent dispensation of justice.“The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) by majority reiterates its firm commitment to the independence of the judiciary, which is essential to the rule of law and the fair administration of justice,” the resolution said. It added, “SCAORA appreciates the stand taken by the Chief Justice of India in making it clear that political parties seeking resolution of their grievances must approach the court through the judicial process.”The resolution further said, “Any such grievance can be raised before the court in accordance with law, where it can be considered independently and on its merits.” SCAORA also said no action should be taken that may obstruct the functioning of the courts or hamper the fair and independent dispensation of justice. The remarks came after Justice Kant wrote on Monday to Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, declining their request for a meeting. In his letter, the Chief Justice said convening a meeting on issues that are sub judice before the Supreme Court would go against the principle of separation of powers and was “incompatible with established ethics and judicial propriety”. He told the two leaders that discussing pending cases would be improper and asked them to file a petition before the court, either physically or online.Kharge and Gandhi had written to Justice Kant on October 10 seeking a meeting with him on October 12 between 4 pm and 5 pm. They had sought to submit a memorandum on issues concerning the Chief Election Commissioner, the Election Commission of India, the alleged arbitrary arrest of several students, closure of metro stations, and cancellation of trains during protests in Delhi by the Congress and other groups. The exchange was followed by SCAORA’s resolution, which underlined that grievances must be addressed through the court process and that judicial independence must be protected. - Ends