Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on Friday (February 20, 2026) deprecated the tendency of filing petitions to use the Supreme Court as a platform to “embarrass” State governments ahead of Assembly elections.
The Chief Justice, heading a three-judge Bench, said petitions filed by private parties and NGOs are designed to put State governments in a tight spot. In the process, the petitioners drag the Supreme Court into the political pell-mell.
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Chief Justice Kant said the petitions raise warning bells in the court, as their timings, usually when the clock is ticking towards an election, are “usually suspect”.
The court was hearing a petition filed by an NGO, Human Rights Foundation, on the installation of PVC flex boards in Kerala, where elections are due this year.
