Congress removes staffer over post telling CJI Surya Kant to resign

The Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee has sacked a social media operative after an official party post demanding the resignation of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant sparked sharp condemnation from the central government and the legal fraternity.

The message, published on the state unit's verified X account before being deleted, attacked the head of the judiciary directly. "Dear Surya Kant, if law and order is not your domain, resign now. We will find your replacement who can handle it," the post stated.

What triggered the row

The post came after Chief Justice Surya Kant declined a request for an appointment from Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the INDIA alliance. The Chief Justice pointed out that the grievances they wished to raise — concerning electoral rolls and Delhi protest restrictions — were already sub judice before the Supreme Court, noting that granting such a meeting would breach the separation of powers.

Speaking to reporters earlier that day regarding Delhi Police security curbs during demonstrations outside the Election Commission, the Chief Justice observed that maintaining public order fell outside judicial administrative duties, remarking, "This is a law-and-order issue. It is not my domain."

Government and legal fraternity condemn attacks on judiciary

The direct attack on the country's highest judicial office drew swift rebuke from the central government, highlighting the need to safeguard the independence of constitutional bodies. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju condemned the rhetoric, warning that targeting the judiciary undermines institutional stability.

"Congress wants to destroy all the constitutional and democratic institutions of India. All Anti-India gangs are joining hands. All patriotic Indians will also come together," Rijiju said, pointing out that such public attacks risk weakening faith in constitutional governance.

The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association also acted, passing a formal resolution rebuking calls for the Chief Justice's resignation. The association stated that public declarations seeking the resignation of the head of the judiciary undermine the dignity of the office and weaken public trust in the rule of law. It stressed that any legal grievances must be pursued through constitutional avenues rather than social media intimidation.

Congress steps back amid backlash

Facing intense criticism, the Congress leadership moved to contain the damage. Kerala Pradesh Congress Committee president Sunny Joseph confirmed that the individual responsible for the post had been removed from their post and that the state unit would conduct an inquiry.

Joseph insisted that the party had no doubts about the impartiality of the judiciary and that the social media post had been uploaded without the consent, knowledge, or consultation of the party leadership. The episode followed an opposition demonstration in the capital, where 11 MPs filed a public interest litigation challenging the Election Commission's Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls.