SC hearing on sexual harassment allegations against CJI was violative of procedure: SCBA

The unprecedented hearing by a three-judge bench following sexual harassment allegations against the CJI by a former apex court employee was a "violation of procedure established by law", the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) said Monday.

It requested the full court of the Supreme Court to take all necessary steps as may be required in law in such cases.

It further said in a statement that without prejudice to any enquiry which may be initiated as above, the full court should collate all the materials and facts with regard to the allegations from electronic, print, social media and other available sources, which may be considered in its next meeting.

"The executive committee of the Supreme Court Bar Association in its emergent meeting has resolved that procedure adopted for conducting the court proceedings on April 20 in the matter of allegations made by ex-employee of the Supreme Court against the Chief Justice of India is in violation of procedure established by law as well as principles of natural justice," SCBA Secretary Vikrant Yadav said.

He further said: "The committee further resolved and requested the Full Court of the Supreme Court to take all such necessary steps as may be required in law in this regard."