SC to issue order in CJI 'framing' case at 2pm

Lawyer Bains has alleged that he was offered a hefty amount to help frame such allegations against the CJI.

"We will pass the order at 1400 hrs today," the bench, led by Justice Arun Mishra, said after hearing Bains, solicitor general Tushar Mehta and attorney general K.K. Venugopal on the issue.

During the hearing, Justice Mishra observed that this is a very serious issue.

''We cannot be remote controlled by any force. We are anguished. This institution will not survive, if such kind of allegations are there," Justice Mishra added.

The court heard the arguments from the attorney general, on if Bains could selectively disclose details to SC in a case of this magnitude. Venugopal told the apex court that it had the power to summon documents.

Justice Mishra raised concern over the way this institution was being treated for the last three to four years.

Last week, a junior court assistant had sent written complaints to 22 judges alleging that she was sexually harassed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi in October, 2018.

The CJI 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 said.

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.