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Former Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi is a prominent Indian jurist who served as the 46th Chief Justice of India. Born on November 18, 1954, in Assam, he pursued a career in law and became a respected judge. Justice Gogoi is well-known for delivering several significant judgments during his tenure, including those on the Ayodhya Land Dispute Case and the Rafale Fighter Jet Deal.
He is also recognized for his strong stance on judicial independence and efforts to improve the efficiency of the Indian judiciary. After retiring from the Supreme Court, he was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament.
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Justice Gogoi was known for his focus on clearing pending cases and improving the functioning of the judiciary. He emphasized transparency and accountability within the judicial system and took steps to address issues such as the backlog of cases. Link for the article can be found here - Decreasing of pendency in cases.
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He also emphasized the need for greater transparency in the judicial appointment process and was involved in initiatives to improve the working conditions and infrastructure of the judiciary.
His tenure was not without controversies. He faced criticism for handling certain cases, including accusations of sexual harassment, which he denied and was subsequently cleared of by an in-house committee. His nomination to the Rajya Sabha shortly after retirement also sparked debates about the independence of the judiciary.
EARLY LIFE AND EDUCATION
Justice Ranjan Gogoi was born on November 18, 1954, in Dibrugarh, Assam, a state in north-eastern India. He came from a prominent family; his father, Kesab Chandra Gogoi , was a former Chief Minister of Assam, which gave Ranjan an early exposure to public service and leadership.
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For his education, Gogoi attended Don Bosco School in Dibrugarh, known for its discipline and academic rigor. He later moved to Delhi to pursue higher studies. He completed his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History from St. Stephen's College , a prestigious institution known for its rich academic tradition.
After graduating, he decided to study law and enrolled at the Faculty of Law, University of Delhi, where he earned his law degree.
His early education and background provided a strong foundation for his future career in the legal field. He was known to be diligent and hardworking, traits that served him well in his legal studies and later as a judge. This solid educational background and early exposure to public life helped shape his career path in the judiciary.
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ACADEMIC AND JUDICIAL PROFILE
Date and Place of Birth: Born on November 18, 1954, in Dibrugarh, Assam, India
Education and Qualifications:
Alma Mater: Faculty of Law, University of Delhi (LL. B)
Academic Background: He graduated with Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in History, St. Stephen's College, Delhi. Completed his LLB from University of Delhi and began his legal practice in the Guwahati High Court in 1978, focusing on constitutional, taxation, and company matters. His dedication and expertise led to his appointment as a permanent judge of the Guwahati High Court in February 2001.
Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court (2011-2012): He was appointed the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court in February 2011. During his tenure, he focused on improving the efficiency of the court and reducing case backlogs.
Chief Justice of India (2018-2019): Justice Gogoi was appointed as the 46th Chief Justice of India on October 3, 2018.
Retirement Date: Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi retired on November 17, 2019.
Succession: After his retirement, Justice Sharad Arvind Bobde assumed the position of 47th Chief Justice of India.
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JUSTICE GOGOI’S LANDMARK COURT DECISIONS
1. Ayodhya Land Dispute Case (2019):
This was one of the most awaited and significant cases in India's legal history. The dispute was over a piece of land in Ayodhya, claimed by both Hindus and Muslims. The court, under Justice Gogoi's leadership, delivered a unanimous decision (without any opposing view).
On November 9, 2019, a 5-judge bench, including Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, ruled that the disputed land should be handed over to a trust, which would manage the construction of a Hindu temple at the site. This decision was based on the belief and evidence presented that the site was considered holy by Hindus.
The court also directed the government to provide 5 acres of alternative land in Ayodhya for the construction of a mosque. This was to compensate the Muslim community and to ensure peaceful coexistence.
The verdict aimed to resolve a long-standing and contentious issue peacefully. The decision was carefully crafted to address the concerns of both communities, promoting harmony and understanding.
The judgement was widely accepted by the parties involved and by the general public, despite some initial tensions.
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2. Rafale Fighter Jet Deal (2018):
- The Rafale deal involved the purchase of 36 Rafale fighter jets from France, meant to strengthen the Indian Air Force. The deal became controversial, with allegations of corruption and favouritism. The Supreme Court of India received petitions requesting an investigation into the deal. Petitioners questioned the government's transparency and decision-making process.
- In December 2018, a bench of the Supreme Court, including Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi, dismissed the petitions. The court found that there was no evidence of wrongdoing in the decision-making process for the deal.
- It ruled that the pricing aspect had been appropriately considered and that the government had followed the required procedures. The court stated that the selection of the Indian offset partner (Indian Manufacturing Company) was not under judicial review and that the government's choice did not show any signs of favouritism.
- The judgement was seen as a clean chit to the government, affirming that there was no corruption or procedural mistakes.
3. National Register of Citizens (NRC) in Assam:
- Justice Ranjan Gogoi, being an Assamese himself, took a special interest in the NRC process. As a judge of the Supreme Court, he played a critical role in overseeing and supervising the entire exercise to ensure it was conducted fairly and transparently.
- The NRC aimed to identify Indian citizens and weed out illegal immigrants in the state. The process was controversial and complex, but it was seen as an important step in addressing immigration issues in the region.
- Justice Gogoi, during the process, assured that the Supreme Court would monitor the NRC update closely to ensure it was done fairly and without bias. His involvement was crucial in maintaining the integrity and credibility of the process.
4. Entry of Women in Sabarimala Temple:
The tradition of excluding women of certain ages was challenged in court on the grounds of gender discrimination and violation of fundamental rights. The case reached the Supreme Court of India, where a five-judge bench, including Justice Ranjan Gogoi, examined the issue.
The Sabarimala Temple, located in the state of Kerala, India, is a prominent Hindu pilgrimage site dedicated to Lord Ayyappa. For many years, the temple had a tradition that barred women of menstruating age (approximately 10 to 50 years old) from entering.
On September 28, 2018, the Supreme Court delivered a landmark judgement allowing women of all ages to enter the Sabarimala Temple. The court ruled that the practice of excluding women based on their age and biological condition was discriminatory. It violated the constitutional principles of gender equality and the right to worship. Article 25
Justice Gogoi and his fellow judges argued that devotion could not be related to gender discrimination and that religious beliefs must not interfere with constitutional principles.
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5. Contempt of Court Against Prashant Bhushan:
Prashant Bhushan, a senior lawyer and activist in India, posted two tweets in 2020 that were critical of the judiciary, specifically the Supreme Court and the Chief Justice of India. The tweets expressed concerns about the functioning of the judiciary and alleged that the current leadership was undermining its independence and integrity.
The Supreme Court took Suo Motu (on its own motion) notice of these tweets and initiated contempt of court proceedings against Bhushan. Contempt of court refers to actions that disrespect or insult the authority and dignity of the court, potentially affecting the administration of justice.
In August 2020, a bench of the Supreme Court, including Justice Ranjan Gogoi, found Prashant Bhushan guilty of contempt of court. The court acknowledged the importance of freedom of speech, a fundamental right in India. However, it also emphasized that this freedom is not absolute and must be balanced with the respect and dignity of the judiciary.
The court fined Bhushan one rupee as punishment, with a warning that failure to pay would result in three months in jail and a three-year ban from practicing law.
CONTROVERSIES: FAVOURITISM AND ALLEGED MISCONDUCT
1. Scrutiny Over Key Judgements: Ayodhya and Rafale Cases
- Justice Ranjan Gogoi's involvement in the Ayodhya and Rafale cases drew significant attention. In the Ayodhya verdict, the Supreme Court decided in favour of building a Hindu temple at the disputed site, while allotting land for a mosque elsewhere. This decision was seen by many as a careful balance, but it also faced criticism from some quarters for potentially favouring one community over another.
- In the Rafale deal case, the Supreme Court upheld the government's purchase of fighter jets, dismissing allegations of corruption. Critics questioned whether the judiciary had adequately investigated the details of the deal, particularly the pricing and selection of the Indian offset partner. They argued that the court's decision might have been too lenient on the government.
- These high-profile cases led to discussions about the judiciary's relationship with the executive branch. Some critics felt that the court's decisions might have been influenced by political considerations, especially given the timing of the judgements and Justice Gogoi's subsequent and sudden nomination to the Rajya Sabha.
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2. Post-Retirement Appointment:
- Shortly after his retirement, Justice Gogoi was nominated to the Rajya Sabha, India's upper house of Parliament. This appointment was controversial, as many critics argued that it could compromise the independence of the judiciary.
- The timing of the nomination, so soon after his retirement, led to concerns about the ethics of such a transition from the judiciary to the legislature. It gave rise to suspicions that his judicial rulings might have been influenced by potential post-retirement benefits.
- The judiciary is expected to be impartial and free from political influence. Justice Gogoi's acceptance of the Rajya Sabha seat raised concerns that it could undermine public confidence in the judiciary's independence, as it created a perception that judicial roles might lead to political rewards.
3. Sexual Harassment Allegations:
In 2019, Justice Gogoi faced accusations of sexual harassment from a former Supreme Court employee. The allegations led to an in-house investigation committee, which ultimately cleared him of any wrongdoing.
A panel of judges, including women judges, was formed to examine the allegations. The committee conducted a closed-door inquiry and eventually cleared Justice Gogoi of any wrongdoing, stating that there was no substance to the allegations.
The investigation faced criticism for lacking transparency. The hearings were held in private, and the report of the committee was not made public. This led to concerns about the fairness and impartiality of the process.
Additionally, in response to sexual misconduct allegations, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi convened a special bench headed by himself, which violated established legal principles of due process and natural justice. Proper procedure for addressing workplace sexual harassment should have involved the senior-most Supreme Court judge forming an independent Internal Complaints Committee, in line with existing laws (Prevention of Sexual Harrassment, POSH), and ensuring the committee could operate without fear or favor, efficiently and swiftly. In this case, these steps were not followed.
The controversy highlighted challenges within the judicial system regarding addressing allegations against high-ranking officials. It sparked discussions on how the judiciary handles such sensitive issues and the need for a more transparent and independent process.
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AWARDS AND RECOGNITIONS
As Chief Justice of India and after his retirement, Justice Ranjan Gogoi received various awards and recognitions for his contributions to the judiciary and public service. He is primarily recognized for his role in delivering landmark judgements and his efforts to improve the judicial system in India.
Justice Ranjan Gogoi was conferred with Assam Baibhav in 2023, highest civilian award in the state of Assam. It was conferred upon Justice Gogoi for his significant contributions to the legal field and his impactful role in delivering landmark judgements, such as the Ayodhya verdict.
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In 2024, he was honoured with the UKILP Lifetime Achievement Award by the UK-India Legal Partnership. This prestigious award recognizes his extensive contributions to the legal profession, both in the public and private spheres. The award ceremony took place at the House of Lords in London, underscoring the international recognition of his work.
These awards highlight Justice Gogoi's influential career and his significant impact on the judiciary, both within India and internationally. They also acknowledge his leadership and dedication to upholding justice throughout his career. Overall, he left behind a mixed legacy of significant achievements and some debated actions.
REFERENCES
- Controversies around appointments and judgements
- Profile and relevant cases
- Judicial Profile
- Ayodhya Verdict
Written by Shubhankar Krishnan
A Delhi University graduate and a 1st Year Law Student, Gaining experiences in Areas under General Corporate, litigation and Intellectual Property Rights.
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Further Reading
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