CNN Central News & Network-ITDC India Epress/ITDC News Bhopal: New Delhi. The Supreme Court has sought an explanation from Shiv Sena (Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray) MP Sanjay Raut over his statements concerning Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and the judiciary. During a hearing on October 15, 2026, a bench of Chief Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi said Raut’s petition was being considered only provisionally for now, and that it would depend on his explanation regarding his conduct.
The dispute over comments on the judiciary is linked to the controversy that followed the Chief Justice’s decision not to meet a delegation of opposition leaders. The opposition leaders had sought a meeting to raise concerns over the functioning of the Election Commission and the special intensive revision of the voter list. The Chief Justice had suggested that they place their submissions before the court through a petition.
After this, Sanjay Raut raised questions over judges attending political events and interacting with political leaders. He had also claimed that around 80 judges were seen playing badminton with political leaders in London. These remarks triggered a controversy over the dignity of the judiciary and the reliability of the facts cited.
Attorney General of India R. Venkataramani has granted consent to initiate criminal contempt proceedings over statements made by Sanjay Raut and journalist Nikhil Wagle. The consent was given on a petition filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association. The Attorney General described Raut’s allegations as baseless and said facts should be verified before such allegations are made publicly.
With reference to the photographs related to badminton, an order of the Delhi High Court was cited to say that linking them to an event in London was not correct. According to available information, the photographs were from an event held at Thyagaraj Stadium in New Delhi in November 2025.
The Supreme Court also heard a petition filed by Rahul Gandhi and other leaders of the opposition alliance. The petition seeks an inquiry into alleged irregularities related to the special intensive revision of the voter list and the Election Commission’s decision-making process. The court has sought responses from the Election Commission and the officials concerned. Sanjay Raut is among the petitioners in this matter. The court made it clear that consideration of his petition is, for now, subject to his explanation. At this stage, the court has not given a final decision on the contempt allegations against him.
The developments have intensified debate over judicial independence, responsibility in public statements and the limits of political criticism. Further action in the matter will depend on Raut’s explanation and the court’s orders. For now, the response sought by the court is being seen as the next significant stage in the case.
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