Loya's son denies allegations, rebel SC judges return to court
What's the story
CBI Judge Brijgopal Harkishan Loya's 'suspicious' death was one of the reasons that triggered a rebellion by four SC judges, a first in India. But two days later, Loya's son Anuj addressed a press conference, nullifying all allegations his family had made regarding his father's death. "We're convinced it's a natural death," he said, requesting NGOs and politicians to "stop harassing us."
Death
All about the 'mysterious' death of Judge Loya
Judge Loya died in 2014 while presiding over the trial of BJP president Amit Shah and others in the Sohrabuddin Sheikh 'fake encounter' case. Reports initially said it was a heart attack, but in November'17, The Caravan published explosive details: his family claimed he was being pressurized to decide in favor of Shah. Discrepancies were also alleged in the medical reports after his death.
Conference
We made allegations when we were emotionally disturbed: Loya's son
Presenting contrary views, Anuj told media yesterday, "Our family is convinced it was a natural death." His grandfather and aunt had questioned Loya's death while they were in "emotional turmoil." Anuj, then 17, was disturbed too when he made similar allegations, he said. He didn't comment on petitions seeking a probe into Loya's death, and said the family was "trying to get things normal".
Quote
'Not withdrawing allegations, but need the harassment to stop'
However, Anuj's cousin Pratik is clear they aren't withdrawing the allegations. "But if you are consistently going to ask an 85-year-old man about his son's death, how would he react?" Anuj meanwhile requested NGOs and politicians to stop "harassing" his family without naming anyone.
Judges
'Near-unanimity' about the judges' "moral victory"
Meanwhile, three days after publicly slamming CJI Dipak Misra, Justices Chelameswar, Ranjan Gogoi, Kurian Joseph and Madan Lokur held court today. They'll also participate in collegium meetings "if the CJI calls." Clarifying they aren't on strike, they said, "We have said whatever we had to say." Misra hasn't enjoyed much support from colleagues; there's reportedly "near-unanimity" that the judges had "scored a moral victory".
Information
Hearing on Loya's death to continue today
The SC on January 12 termed Loya's death a "serious matter" and asked the Maharashtra government to respond to pleas seeking an independent probe. The next hearing is scheduled for today.