SC Advocates Body Expresses Reservation In CJI’s Harassment Case

The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) expressed its “deep reservation” against the “procedural impropriety” of CJI Ranjan Gogoi being one of the members of the bench hearing the case of sexual harassment in which he himself has been accused. The collective in its resolution said that the accusations made by the former SC junior court assistant ought to be dealt with as per the procedure established by the law which should be uniform for everyone, reported Live Law.

“The allegations of the ex-employee of the Supreme Court have to be dealt with as per the established procedure of law and the law must be applied in each and every case uniformly,” said SCAORA.

It added, “It is, therefore, resolved that the Supreme Court Advocates on Record Association strongly disapproves the manner in which the complaint was dealt with and seeks inquiry and action in the above matter and further seeks immediate appointment of a committee headed by full court of Supreme court to impartially investigate and inquire into the allegations made against the Hon’ble Mr. Justice Ranjan Gogoi, and give independent finding in the matter.”

CJI had assembled a Special Bench on Saturday after the allegations against him involved in sexual harassment surfaced. While the special bench consisted  of Justices Arun Mishra, Sanjiv Khanna and Gogoi himself, it addressed the allegations made against him. He denied all the allegations and pointed that the complainant has criminal antecedent.

“This is unbelievable. I don't think I should stoop low even to deny these allegation,” he said, adding, “There has to be bigger force behind this, they want to deactivate the office of CJI.”

CJI Gogoi also said that he will continue to serve as the Chief Justice and continue to discharge his duties. While the CJI sat on the Bench with Justices Mishra and Khanna, the ensuing the Court’s order uploaded on the website of the Supreme Court did not show CJI Gogoi’s name.

ALSO READ: CJI Gogoi accused of harassment, former court assistant files complaint

Apart from the SCAORA, the Women in Criminal Law Association recently released a statement demanding a prompt inquiry into the case. It also demands that Gogoi should not hold office during the process, stated Mid Day.

The allegations of the ex-employee of the Supreme Court have to be dealt with as per the established procedure of law and the law must be applied in each and every case uniformly

The association detached itself from the Bar Council of India's (BCI) statement calling the allegations “false and cooked up”. The statement from BCI said, “The cock and bull story has been cooked up to plot some big conspiracy against the institution. The Bar is fully standing with our CJI and the Judges of the Supreme Court.”

Asking the judicial fraternity to stick to SC, the council said, “Bar Council of India strongly condemns attempt to malign the image of our Chief Justice of India and the highest judicial institution. The allegations levelled by the lady against Hon'ble Mr J Ranjan Gogoi are all false and concocted.”

CJI Gogoi was accused of sexual harassment by the woman in an affidavit sent to 22 Supreme Court judges and the subsequent emergency hearing on April 20.

Picture credit- th.thgim.com

More Stories by Poorvi Gupta