Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Saturday strongly denied allegations of sexual harassment and said the independence of the judiciary is "under threat" and it "cannot be made a scapegoat". A special bench of the Supreme Court called an emergency hearing on Saturday after a former employee at the top court, in an affidavit to several Supreme Court judges, alleged she was sexually harassed by the chief justice.
"This is unbelievable. I don't think I should stoop low even to deny these allegations," the Chief Justice, who was heading the three judge bench, said during the hearing, and added he will not pass any orders and the senior most judge Arun Mishra will dictate the order.
Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi alleged a conspiracy behind the allegations and said, "There has to be bigger force behind this, they want to deactivate office of Chief Justice".
The Chief Justice said the allegations had cropped up as he is scheduled to hear important cases in the Supreme Court next week. "I will sit on this chair and discharge my judicial functions without any fear... Things have gone too far. Judiciary cannot be made a scapegoat," he said.
Chief Justice Gogoi said since there can be no corruption allegations against him, "people have to find something and they have found this".
"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," he asked.
The Chief Justice said the woman who made the allegations against him has a criminal background and that there are two police cases against her.
Solicitor General Tushar Mehta said the allegations appear to be a blackmail technique.
The special bench of Chief Justice Gogoi, Justice Arun Mishra and Justice Sanjeev Khanna refrained from passing any judicial order "at this stage" and said they "leave it to the discretion of the media to exercise restraint and act responsibly."
"Faith of people in judiciary will be shaken by such unscrupulous allegations," Justice Mishra said.
The top court said further judicial orders will be passed at a later stage.
Biden Weighing Proposals To Reform US Supreme Court? Details Inside Complete Migrant Labourers' Ration Card Verification In 1 Month: Supreme Court To States State Government Has No Authority To Change Scheduled Caste Lists: Supreme Court Dubai Princess Shaikha Mahra Divorces Husband In Insta Post, Cites Reason In Massive Row Over Karnataka 100% Quota Bill, Chief Minister Deletes Post 25,000 Aspirants For Airport Jobs Paying Rs 22,000: A Mumbai Stampede Scare Rs 1,200 Crore Needed For India's Electric Car Revolution: Top Scientist Prince Harry, Meghan Markle Break 64-Year Royal Tradition In Surprise Move Hyundai Exter vs Tata Punch: Which CNG Option Is Better On Paper? Track Latest News Live on NDTV.com and get news updates from India and around the world.