‘Supreme Court doors are open 24×7’: CJI Surya Kant assures justice to youth amid student protest row

Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant on Friday assured the country’s youth that the Supreme Court remains committed to delivering justice, stating that the institution’s doors are open to every citizen “24 hours a day.”

His remarks come amid nationwide student protests over alleged examination paper leaks and growing controversy surrounding the police action during the July 20 “Chalo Sansad” march in New Delhi.

‘The Supreme Court will hear every legitimate grievance’

In an interaction with Hindustan Times, CJI Surya Kant said the judiciary stands ready to address genuine grievances in accordance with the Constitution and established legal procedures.”I would want to assure every citizen and especially the youth of the country that if any injustice has been caused to any person, the Supreme Court will hear the grievance within the bounds of law and the prescribed judicial procedure. Wherever possible, we will ensure that justice is done. The judiciary is always ready to address the problems and suffering of the people.”

He further emphasised the accessibility of the country’s highest court.”The doors of the Supreme Court are open 24 hours a day for every citizen. The court will not allow injustice to prevail.”

CJI clarifies court did not refuse to hear the matter

Without commenting on the merits of the ongoing protests led by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), the CJI rejected claims that the Supreme Court had refused to hear petitions related to the alleged police action.

According to him, no properly filed petition had initially been placed before the court.

He explained that only a letter requesting urgent intervention had been submitted, which does not constitute a valid petition under Supreme Court procedures.

“A petition has to be filed in accordance with the rules and procedure prescribed by the Supreme Court,” he said.

The CJI added that once properly instituted petitions were submitted and mentioned before the bench, they were accepted for listing.

ALSO READ : ‘Your Resignation Could Be Next’: Abhijeet Dipke Warns PM Modi as Demand for Dharmendra Pradhan’s Exit Intensifies

Petitions to be heard on Monday

Earlier in the day, while presiding over a bench comprising Justice Joymalya Bagchi and Justice V. Mohana, the CJI also clarified in open court that no writ petition had been filed before Friday morning.

He criticised what he described as “reckless” reporting suggesting that the Supreme Court had declined to hear the matter.

Later, Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan informed the bench that two petitions alleging excessive police force had now been formally filed and assigned diary numbers.

Considering the urgency of the matter, the CJI directed that both petitions be listed for hearing on Monday.

Background of the controversy

The legal developments stem from the July 20 “Chalo Sansad” march, during which thousands of protesters attempted to march towards Parliament demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged examination paper leaks and broader reforms in India’s examination system.

During the protest, Delhi Police used tear gas and carried out a lathi-charge after demonstrators allegedly attempted to breach security barricades.

Police have maintained that force was used only after sections of the crowd became violent and resorted to stone-pelting.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage and related records connected to the police action while hearing petitions challenging the crackdown.

Dialogue continues between Centre and protest leaders

The judicial developments coincided with fresh discussions between the Central Government and representatives of the protest movement.

A delegation from the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) met Union ministers on Friday, shortly after activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike following assurances from the government.

Although protest leaders described the talks as constructive, they reiterated that demonstrations would continue until their key demands—including accountability for the police action and reforms to the examination system—are fully addressed.