Supreme Court AoR Association seeks Full Court probe into allegations against CJI Ranjan Gogoi

The Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) has expressed “deep reservation” against the “procedural impropriety” demonstrated by the Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi in convening a Bench on Saturday, April 20 in the light of allegations of sexual harassment against him (In Re: Matter Of Great Public Importance Touching Upon The Independence Of Judiciary).

The SCAORA has expressed its reservations relating to the suo moto proceedings carried out by CJI Gogoi and has termed this “procedural impropriety.” The association, in its resolution, has also stated that the allegations ought to be dealt with as per the procedure established by the law which should be uniform for everyone.

“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 SCAORA has called for an inquiry into the matter by a committee headed by the Full Court of Supreme Court to give an independent finding in the matter. The resolution says,

“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 Gogoi had convened a Special Bench on Saturday at 10.30 am after reports of alleged sexual misdemeanor by him surfaced. The Special Bench addressed the allegations levelled by the former Supreme Court staffer. CJI Gogoi denied the allegations and further stated that the complainant has criminal antecedents.

CJI Gogoi also said that he will continue to serve as the Chief Justice and continue to discharge his duties while adding that these allegations were part of a conspiracy. CJI Gogoi sat on the Bench with Justices Arun Mishra and Sanjiv Khanna. However, the Court’s order which was subsequently uploaded on the website of the Supreme Court did not reflect CJI Gogoi’s name.

This had led to questions from various quarters about the propriety of such a hearing.

Read SCAORA’s Resolution:

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