In an unexpected move, BJP-led central government issued a notification which shocked both the political and legal fraternities. Issued by the Ministry of Home Affairs on Monday, the government of India notified that Former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi has been nominated to Rajya Sabha. While this is the first time a government has nominated a CJI to the upper house, the news set ripples as the former CJI has been part of many controversial judgments, and was also accused of sexual harassment.
“In exercise of the powers conferred by sub-clause (a) of clause (1) article 80 of the Constitution of India, read with clause (3) of that article, the President is pleased to nominate Shri Ranjan Gogoi to the Council of States to fill the vacancy caused due to the retirement of one of the nominated member,” stated that notification issued. Justice Gogoi had retired in November last year after presiding over the Supreme Court for around 13 months after which he served as the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana.
Gogoi who played a pivotal role in Rafale matter, the dismissal of Central Bureau of Investigation director Alok Verma, the Ayodhya matter was rumoured to have a close affiliation with Modi’s government. Earlier, Gogoi’s brother, Air Marshall (Retd) Anjan Kumar Gogoi was appointed as a full-time non-official member of the North Eastern Council (NEC).
