The Supreme Court has issued notices to Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav and other INDIA bloc leaders on a plea challenging their march to the apex court over alleged irregularities in the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls.

Chief Justice of India (CJI) said that “nobody can browbeat the judiciary.” Responding to concerns over attempts to pressure the judiciary, the CJI said, “We are not sitting in ivory towers,” emphasising that the court remains aware of developments outside its premises.

The petitions relate to the gathering of opposition leaders and their supporters inside the Supreme Court premises on October 12, following a march to challenge the Election Commission of India’s actions in the voter-roll revision exercise.

Also read: Plea filed in SC over Rahul Gandhi, INDIA bloc leaders gathering in premises

The plea follows the opposition leaders’ march, which was stopped by police barricades before they reached the court. The gathering inside the court complex later drew a large crowd and reportedly led to commotion.