Gogoi's nomination to Rajya Sabha draws criticism from former judges

The nomination of ex-CJI Ranjan Gogoi to Rajya Sabha has drawn sharp criticism from several former judges, including Kurian Joseph, who said taking up post-retirement positions "demeans" the independence of judiciary.

Joseph, who along with Gogoi and two other senior judges J Chelameswar, Madan B Lokur (all now retired), held an unprecedented presser on January 12, 2018 questioning the functioning of the apex court under the then CJI, said that Gogoi has "compromised the noble principles" of independence and impartiality of judiciary.

"According to me, the acceptance of nomination as member of Rajya Sabha by a former CJI, has certainly shaken the confidence of the common man on the independence of judiciary, which is also one of the basic structures of the Constitution of India," the former apex court judge said.

Referring to the press conference, Justice Joseph said he, along with the other three judges, had come out in public in an "unprecedented move", "to tell the nation that there was a threat to this foundation and now I feel the threat is at large."