Allegations against the CJI: Misuse of power and no procedural fairness

The Supreme Court brazened it out in how it dealt with these allegations and now its reputation lies in shambles

On the 19th of April this year, a former employee of the Supreme Court’s registry, forwarded a detailed affidavit to the Judges of the Court alleging sexual harassment by the Chief Justice of India. She also pointed out a subsequent pattern of vengeance upon her and her family. In this unprecedented situation, the Court had many options before it – order an enquiry under the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplaces Act, follow its own internal sexual harassment complaint procedure or follow simple common sense. Over the last 20 days, it seems to have abandoned all of these, and decided