Justice DY Chandrachud suggests inclusion of external member on Inquiry Panel: Media Reports

A day after the Supreme Court’s General Secretary termed it as “wholly incorrect”, the Indian Express has stood by their earlier report that Justice DY Chandrachud had raised concerns regarding the in-house panel probing the sexual harassment allegations against Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi..The latest report, published by the Indian Express this morning, however, clarifies that the meeting took place between Justice Chandrachud and Justice SA Bobde (who heads the panel) on May 2. Their first report had stated that the meeting had taken place on May 3 between Justice Chandrachud, Justice RF Nariman, and the inquiry panel members..As per today’s report, Justice Chandrachud had met Justice Bobde to discuss the contents of a letter addressed by him to the inquiry panel. The letter reportedly makes reference to the grievances raised by the complainant when she withdrew from the inquiry proceedings. The complainant had withdrawn from the inquiry proceedings last week, citing that she felt she was not likely to get justice from the in-house inquiry committee..Now, Indian Express sources have confirmed that Justice Chandrachud has requested that a Full Court be convened to discuss the issues raised by him. The report further states that Justice Chandrachud has suggested the inclusion of an external member on the committee. In this regard, he has recommended the names of three retired women Supreme Court judges to be included as external members i.e. Justices Ruma Pal, Sujata Manohar, and Ranjana Desai. Justice Chandrachud is said to have endorsed their inclusion in the panel, arguing that they are all “apolitical and above board.“.A similar report has been published by The Telegraph today, stating that a meeting may be convened today or tomorrow to discuss the inclusion of an external member on the inquiry panel. This report also states that while Justice Chandrachud’s letter was written in his personal capacity, it has the oral concurrence of about 15 to 20 judges of the Supreme Court..Among other suggestions made to address the grievances raised by the complainant, Justice Chandruchud is also said to have endorsed the appointment of a senior woman member of the Bar as an Amicus Curiae in the matter..Bar & Bench is available on WhatsApp. For real-time updates on stories, click here to subscribe to our WhatsApp.