IUML terms nomination of Gogoi to RS 'national shame'

The nomination of former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi to Rajya Sabha is a matter of "shame for the nation", the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) said on Wednesday.

Party's Malappuram (Kerala) MP and national general secretary P K Kunhalikkutty, in a statement, said Gogoi's nomination raised serious doubts about the independence of the judiciary.

"It is natural for the people to doubt whether this is a reward by the government for the outgoing CJI," he said.

Kunhalikkutty said that "it is quite unfortunate, especially in the backdrop of the Ram Janmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute case verdict. This nomination is particularly grave in nature as compared to any other nomination in the past".

"Gogoi's presence would be a shame for the Upper House," he said.

President Ram Nath Kovind had on Monday named Gogoi for one of the 12 Rajya Sabha seats to which members are nominated.