SC sets up 3-judge panel to look into allegations against CJI Gogoi

According to media reports, the CJI has delegated his powers to Justice S.A. Bobde, who is second in seniority, to deal with the allegations brought by a former Supreme Court employee. Justice N.V. Ramana and Justice Indira Banerjee are the other two judges on the panel.

NDTV, citing sources said in the presence of all judges except the Chief Justice, Justice Bobde proposed setting up the panel and all his colleagues accepted it.

Earlier in the day, the Supreme Court sent a notice to lawyer Utsav Bains who claimed sexual harassment allegations brought against Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi are a conspiracy. The apex court sent the notice to Bains and has been asked to explain his affidavit on Tuesday.

A former Supreme Court employee has alleged that she was sexually harassed by the CJI.

Chief Justice Gogoi has denied the allegations and said the judiciary was under threat. He said the judiciary cannot be made a "scapegoat".

"This is unbelievable. I don't think I should stoop low even to deny these allegations," the CJI was quoted by NDTV.

During an emergency hearing, which was called by a special bench of the top court, Justice Gogoi said the charges against him will be examined by other senior judges and not him.

The CJI has also alleged a conspiracy behind such a charge.He said since no one can level corruption allegations against him so they brought this new charge.

"After 20 years of selfless service as judge, I have bank balance of Rs. 6.80 lakh. My peon has more money than that... Is this a reward the Chief Justice gets after 20 years," the CJI was quoted  as saying by NDTV.