The woman who levelled allegations of sexual harassment against CJI Ranjan Gogoi has written a letter, flagging certain “concerns” she has about the members of the enquiry committee constituted to probe her charges.
She had written the letter in response to a court notice requesting her presence before the committee comprising Justice SA Bobde, Justice NV Ramana and Justice Indira Banerjee on Friday, 26 April.
In the letter, the woman, a former Supreme Court employee, confirmed that she will be present in court at the designated time, but raised concerns about the manner in which the CJI had attacked her credibility on Saturday.
She also requested that she be allowed to have a lawyer present during the hearing, and opined why she would prefer retired judges to be present on the enquiry committee instead of active ones.
Here is a copy of the letter:
Justice Ramana is CJI’s ‘Close Friend’
The woman expressly objected to Justice Ramana’s presence in the enquiry committee, as it would not allow for an “objective and fair hearing”. The woman said that Justice Ramana “is a close friend of the CJI” and frequently visits his residence.
She also quoted Justice Ramana, via a Times of India article, as saying:
“We have seen such attempts in the past and we will see some more in future. Some friends in their private conversations are pointing out that criticism used to be against politicians only. But today, judges are also under such attacks. Do not be wary of such criticism as we have to uphold the dignity of the judiciary.”
She also noted that Supreme Court’s own guidelines in the Vishaka judgement mandate that the enquiry committee have a majority of women and the presence of an external woman member.
“I therefore request your Lordships,” she added, “to please ensure that this Hon’ble Committee also reflect this in its composition and procedure followed by the Committee.”
She also requested the court to disclose the exact procedure that will be followed by the enquiry committee constituted before the hearing commences.
“While I am of course capable of presenting my facts and evidence but I do not have any training or practical experience of the procedure,” she said.
She also requested that the hearing on Friday and the subsequent proceedings be recorded on camera to ensure that there is no “dispute about what transpired”.
“I will only be ensured of Justice if I am provided a fair independent impartial and just hearing,” she added.
(With inputs from PTI)
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