Judiciary under threat: CJI Gogoi denies sexual harassment allegations
What's the story
Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Saturday dismissed the sexual harassment allegations leveled against him by a former staffer and said independent judiciary was under threat. He said, "I don't think that this can be of a plot of a junior assistant. There is a bigger plot." The topmost judge also refused to pass judicial orders in this case. Here's what went down.
Context
Backstory: Woman claimed CJI Gogoi harassed her at his home
The 35-year-old woman sent an affidavit to 22 Supreme Court judges on Friday detailing the alleged abuse she faced on October 11 and 12, 2018. The woman said she worked at CJI Gogoi's home office where he harassed her. She rebuffed his advances and on December 21, the woman was dismissed from her services. She claimed her family has been terrorized since the incident.
Response
During special hearing, CJI Gogoi refuted the allegations
Earlier today, a special bench consisting of CJI Gogoi, Justice Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Arun Mishra assembled to address the matter of "great public importance". Attorney General KK Venugopal and SG Tushar Mehta were also present. At the onset, CJI Gogoi completely refuted the allegations and brought attention to the woman's 'criminal background'. He said two FIRs have been filed against her.
Statement
CJ Gogoi talked about his selfless service and bank balance
CJI Gogoi said reputation is the only thing a judge earns and even that is being targeted. "After 20 years of selfless service. It is unbelievable ...With a bank balance of Rs. 6,80,000. This is my total asset. When I started as a judge, I have much hope. On the verge of retirement, I have Rs. 6 lakh," he explained.
Details
Good people will not become judges, claimed CJI Gogoi
CJI Gogoi then went on to say "Considering the very very important cases that are due to be heard next week, they want to destabilize the office of the CJI." He reminded that only PMO and CJI's office were completely independent in the country. "If judges have to work under these conditions, good people are not going to become judges," he added.
Twitter Post
Bench didn't pass any order, asked media to exercise restraint
Media reports of sexual harassment allegations against CJI Ranjan Gogoi: CJI led bench did not pass any orders on allegations and asks media to show restrain to protect independence of judiciary. CJI says allegations are baseless. pic.twitter.com/RYUYu1Y2kU
— ANI (@ANI) April 20, 2019