CJI sexual harassment case: Complainant appears before committee
The former Supreme Court employee, who leveled sexual harassment allegations against Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, appeared before an in-house committee to record her statement. The proceedings into the highly sensitive case began three days after the top court agreed to set up a committee for inquiry. The inquiry didn't yield results on Friday and will be taken up again on April 29.
Woman claimed CJI Gogoi sexually harassed her in October, 2018
Earlier this month, the apex court was jolted by an affidavit, which the woman sent to 22 judges detailing what happened with her. She claimed CJI Gogoi harassed her at his home office in October 2018. Later, the woman was transferred to different departments of SC thrice. Eventually, in December she lost her job. The complainant said her family was also harassed.
CJI Gogoi dismissed allegations, then a panel was formed
After the allegations surfaced, CJI Gogoi blatantly discarded them. An unprecedented hearing happened in SC, in which he revealed his bank balance to drive a point home that he is innocent. The way the bench acted on the allegations got ire and on Tuesday, CJI Gogoi told Justice SA Bobde to form a panel for probe. Justice Bobde is the second most senior judge.
Woman took objection to Justice Ramana's presence in committee
Justice Bobde inducted Justices NV Ramana and Indira Banerjee into the panel. However, Justice Ramana recused himself after the complainant raised questions on his inclusion. The complainant pointed out Justice Ramana is close to CJI Gogoi and his presence might impact fair hearings. Subsequently, Justice Indu Malhotra, who heads Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC), joined the committee, formed for departmental inquiry.
Reportedly, lawyer who accompanied woman didn't attend the hearing
During Friday's hearing, Secretary-General of SC was also present. He had been asked to appear will all relevant documents. Notably, the lawyer who accompanied the woman wasn't part of the hearings. To recall, the woman had said she would need a lawyer as she has no practical experience. "I am just capable of presenting facts and evidence," she had said.
Meanwhile, Justice Patnaik will begin his probe after inquiry
Separately, retired SC judge AK Patnaik will also be probing allegations of conspiracy against CJI Gogoi. Lawyer Utsav Bains had claimed 'larger forces' were at play to force CJI Gogoi to resign, prompting the top court to launch a probe. While both cases are separate, Justice Patnaik won't begin his investigation till an inquiry into the sexual harassment case is complete.
