The Supreme Court has reportedly rebuked Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) while hearing its plea challenging the Bihar Assembly Elections of 2025 and seeking fresh polls in the state. The court questioned the party's motives, suggesting that the plea was a publicity stunt after facing rejection by the people.

Jan Suraaj Party, founded by the political strategist Prashant Kishor, contested all 243 seats in the Bihar Assembly election but failed to win any. Most of its candidates even lost their security deposits. Following the election, the party approached the Supreme Court, alleging illegal practices and violations of the Model Code of Conduct.

The core of Jan Suraaj's petition revolves around the Bihar government's decision to transfer Rs 10,000 to women under the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana after the announcement of the election schedule. The party argues that this direct cash transfer constituted a corrupt practice, unduly influencing voters in favor of the ruling government. They claim this action deprived other political parties of a level playing field, undermining the principles of free and fair elections.

In its plea, Jan Suraaj sought directives to the Election Commission of India (ECI) to take action under Article 324 of the Constitution and Section 123 of the Representation of the People Act. These provisions relate to the ECI's powers over elections and prohibit practices that unduly influence voters. The party further requested the Supreme Court to declare the results of the Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 as null and void and order fresh elections.

The bench, presided over by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi, is expected to hear the matter on Friday, February 6, 2026. The BJP-led NDA secured a majority in the 2025 elections, winning 202 of the 243 seats, while the INDIA bloc managed to secure only 35, with Congress winning six.

The Supreme Court's response to Jan Suraaj's petition highlights the sensitivity of the judiciary to being used as a platform for political maneuvering. The court's observation underscores the importance of maintaining the integrity of the electoral process and ensuring fair play for all participants. The case also puts the spotlight on the Election Commission of India and its role in preventing undue influence and ensuring adherence to the Model Code of Conduct during elections. The court will examine the legality and impact of the cash transfers on the fairness of the electoral process.