Sexual harassment case: CJI Gogoi appears before committee, answers questions
On Wednesday, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi appeared before the committee probing sexual harassment charges leveled against him, a day after the accuser pulled out of the investigation. It is learned that the findings of the committee will be submitted in a sealed cover. The committee, led by Justice SA Bobde, includes Justices Indira Banerjee and Indu Malhotra. Here's what happened.
A brief recap of series of events so far
Last month, the top court was jolted by serious accusations against CJI Gogoi. The former staffer alleged he harassed her at his home office in October 2018. She was transferred thrice and lost her job in December. Meanwhile, CJI Gogoi dismissed the charges and in an unprecedented hearing claimed judiciary was under threat. Notably, SC has ordered a separate probe on the latter.
CJI Gogoi was sent a letter of request
On Wednesday, the three-judge panel issued a letter of request to CJI Gogoi to appear before it. According to the Civil Procedure Code, high constitutional office-bearers like President, PM, and CJI aren't issued summons but are sent letters of request. As per reports, he appeared before the panel and answered questions. The panel decided to carry out the inquiry ex-parte after complainant withdrew.
Secretary-General also attended the hearing
SC's Secretary-General was also present during the hearing. Reportedly, files, official records and internal reports pertaining to the former employee and her harassment charges were presented before the panel. She worked as a former junior assistant at the apex court.
Complainant had reservations about getting justice, left probe
Ironically, in a press note, the complainant lamented over the process the panel undertook and said she had little faith in getting justice. She had urged the panel to follow Vishaka Guidelines, allow her to be accompanied by a lawyer, and give the documents of her statements. But the panel didn't pay heed, she alleged. The woman claimed her safety was at risk too.
Felt intimidated in absence of support person: Woman
"I was asked to narrate my account which I did to the best of my ability even though I felt quite intimidated and nervous in the presence of three Hon'ble Judges of SC and without having a lawyer or support person with me," she said.
Is CJI being framed? Retired SC judge will probe claims
Notably, retired SC judge AK Patnaik has been tasked with investigating the claims that CJI Gogoi is being framed. SC lawyer Utsav Bains submitted an affidavit in court alleging that he was approached to file a case against CJI Gogoi. He said "some forces" want CJI to resign. While a probe has been ordered, proceedings won't begin till investigation into sexual harassment concludes.
