SC orders probe headed by retired judge into allegations of conspiracy against CJI

Judges of the apex court on Thursday examined an affidavit by lawyer Utsav Bains who alleged a conspiracy was on to discredit CJI Gogoi with sexual harassment allegations.

According to an NDTV report, the allegations of "bench fixing are so serious that it requires investigation", said the judges before ordering the investigation.

"The day has come when we have to rise and tell the powerful and rich people - you can't run the institution," said the bench of Justices Arun Mishra, RF Nariman and Deepak Gupta.

Last week, a junior court assistant had sent written complaints to 22 judges alleging that she was sexually harassed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi in October, 2018.

The CJI has denied the allegations and said the judiciary was under threat. He said the judiciary cannot be made a "scapegoat".

"This is unbelievable. I don't think I should stoop low even to deny these allegations," the CJI said.

During an emergency hearing, which was called by a special bench of the top court, Justice Gogoi said the charges against him will be examined by other senior judges and not him.

The CJI has also alleged a conspiracy behind such a charge.

He said since no one can level corruption allegations against him so they brought this new charge.

"After 20 years of selfless service as judge, I have bank balance of Rs. 6.80 lakh. My peon has more money than that... Is this a reward the Chief Justice gets after 20 years," the CJI was quoted as saying by NDTV.