Democratic and political protests must take place but Supreme Court must not be dragged into it: CJI

Chief Justice of India Surya Kant said on Monday that democratic and political protests need to take place, but the “Supreme Court should not be dragged into it”.

“There should not be any inconvenience caused to litigants, lawyers, court staff. I have also requested...” Chief Justice Kant said in open court.

Anti-CEC protests: Follow LIVE updates on October 12, 2026

The CJI’s remarks come even as the Opposition leaders are expected to march to the Supreme Court as part of the anti-CEC protests on Monday (October 12, 2026). The court premises is seeing heavy security presence.

The CJI’s oral remarks came in response to oral mentionings by Supreme Court Bar Association, represented by its president and senior advocate Pradeep Rai, against the illegal detentions of lawyers and suspension of Internet.

“We are doing our professional duties. They [authorities] should not interfere,” Mr. Rai submitted.

Another petition represented by senior advocate A.N.S. Nadkarni also sought the same protection.

Senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, in a separate oral mentioning, said “at a time when our senior advocates are being dragged on the streets, the court is asking protestors to restrain, but at least once the court should tell them [police] to do the same. I would like to hear the court say the same to them at least once”.

The CJI reiterated that “we will not allow Supreme Court become a part of it. There are designated sites for protest”. The CJI repeated that the smooth administration of justice by the apex court should go on unhindered.

“But private citizens were beaten up using lathis in the last two days. There were children who were beaten up. It was shocking to see senior advocates being dragged on the streets. Two senior advocates were thrown into buses and taken away. I have never seen such things happen,” Mr. Sankaranarayanan submitted forcefully.

The court agreed to list the petitions.