Ex-CJI's RS nomination 'redefines integrity of judiciary': Justice Lokur

Former Supreme Court Judge Madan B Lokur has reacted sharply to former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi’s nomination to the Rajya Sabha, saying it “redefines the impartiality and integrity of the judiciary”.

Justice Lokur, now retired, said there has been speculation about what “honorific” Justice Gogoi would get, while speaking to The Indian Express. “So, in that sense, the nomination is not surprising, but what is surprising is that it came too soon,” he told the newspaper.

“This redefines the independence, impartiality and integrity of the judiciary. Has the last bastion fallen?” wonder Justice Lokur.

Related news: ‘Will speak after taking oath’: ex-CJI Gogoi on his Rajya Sabha nomination

Both Justice Lokur and Justice Gogoi were among the four sitting top court judges who had in January 2018 addressed an unprecedented press conference, questioning the conduct of then CJI Dipak Misra, especially on allocation of important cases.

Justice J Chelameswar, another of the four Supreme Court judges who had addressed the presser, refused to comment on his colleague’s nomination to the Upper House. The fourth judge, Justice Kurian Joseph, has not yet reacted to the development.

Both Justices Joseph and Chelameswar had, during their tenure as top court judges, said they would not accept any post-retirement position by the government, suggest reports.

Related news: Clean chit to ex-CJI in harassment case leaves room for corrections