Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Friday said he had been "misquoted" in media reports over his remarks made during a hearing related to the alleged police crackdown on student protesters. He reiterated that the Supreme Court remains accessible to everyone but stressed that matters must be heard in accordance with established judicial procedures.
Addressing the controversy, the Chief Justice said his earlier remarks had been taken out of context.
"I have been misquoted in the media," the CJI said.
Emphasising the role of the Supreme Court, he added, "The Supreme Court is open to all persons. We are open 24/7. The Supreme Court never refuses to hear any issue."
He noted that petitions mentioned before the court on Friday had already been listed for hearing, indicating that the matters would be considered through the normal judicial process.
The CJI underlined that while anyone can approach the Supreme Court, cases must proceed according to prescribed legal procedures.
"If you send a letter and say you must hear me, that cannot happen," he said, adding that the court cannot bypass established processes for listing and hearing cases.
When asked about allegations by some protesters that the formation of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) was linked to his earlier remarks, the Chief Justice declined to comment.
"There were petitions mentioned today which are being heard on Monday," he said.
The controversy arose after the Supreme Court, on Wednesday, declined to urgently hear a plea seeking intervention over the alleged police action against student protesters participating in the CJP's sit-in.
During the hearing, the petitioner's counsel referred to videos that allegedly showed police excesses and urged the court to intervene.
Responding to the submission, the Chief Justice said, "We are not interested in videos; we don't have time to watch."
The bench also declined to grant an immediate hearing, observing that a matter could not be taken up urgently solely because a letter had been sent to the court.
Separately, the Chief Justice said India has played a leading role in international judicial cooperation and that such engagements help showcase the country's legal system and technological advancements.
"Judicial cooperation will benefit everyone by showcasing India's development and technology to the world," he said.
The petitions concerning the alleged police action against student protesters are scheduled to be heard by the Supreme Court through the regular judicial process.
Sources: India Today
