Sources told NDTV that, in his response to the meeting request, the CJI said the issues the leaders intended to raise were already sub judice and were being heard by the Supreme Court.
According to the news channel, the CJI is also learnt to have said that the court could not meet a delegation from a political party at the administrative level in this manner. He reportedly indicated that the appropriate course was to file a petition for the court to hear and decide.
Meanwhile, Delhi remained the centre of demonstrations over the weekend, with Opposition leaders and Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) workers protesting and demanding the resignation of Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.
More than 3,000 protesters, including politicians, were detained on Saturday and released later that night.
Police imposed extensive security restrictions across the national capital to prevent demonstrators from gathering at Jantar Mantar. The restrictions forced protesters to split into smaller groups and assemble at different locations across Delhi.
YouTube commentator Dhruv Rathee was among those released late on Saturday night. Known for his criticism of the NDA government, Rathee has also expressed support for Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.
CJP Vows to Continue Protests Over Voter Roll Allegations
CJP leaders have vowed to continue their street protests until accountability is established over what they allege to be the deletion and manipulation of 13 crore votes.
The group has accused authorities of imposing an “undeclared emergency” in the national capital to prevent people from exercising their right to peaceful assembly.
The allegations of voter roll manipulation remain contested.
CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke, a Boston University graduate, returned to India to lead protests over the NEET examination paper leak controversy, which triggered demands for action against Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The group has received support from Opposition parties across the country.
BJP Accuses CJP of Acting Against National Interests
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has described the CJP as an extension of Opposition forces seeking to destabilise the country.
BJP president Nitin Nabin has alleged that Opposition groups were attempting to harm India while acting at the direction of “foreign forces”.
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, meanwhile, said every individual had the right to express dissent in a democracy but cautioned against activities that could lead to anarchy.
He said members of Generation Z might be “momentarily misled” but could not be diverted from the goal of nation-building.