New Delhi, April 30: In the latest development in connection with allegations of sexual harassment against Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi, the woman who accused him withdrew herself from the in-house inquiry. The woman said that she was boycotting the "in-house proceedings" due to "serious concerns and reservations", reported NDTV. On Tuesday in a statement to media, she said that her request for having her lawyer accompany her was rejected. Sexual Harassment Allegations Against CJI Ranjan Gogoi: Supreme Court Holds Special Hearing on Allegations of Former SC Employee.

The woman added that there would be no audio or video recording of the hearing as she had requested. The accuser also alleged that she felt that the atmosphere of the committee was frightening. The woman said that "in-house committee comprised of sitting judges junior to the CJI and not an external committee as she had requested.

The panel now comprises Justices SA Bobde, Indu Malhotra and Indira Banerjee.  Last week, the decision was taken to conduct the in-house hearing by a three-member panel. Meanwhile, Justice NV Ramana, who was initially named as one of the members of the panel had withdrawn from the body as the woman complained that he was a family friend of the CJI. Justice Indu Malhotra replaced him. CJI Ranjan Gogoi Sexual Harassment Charges: Judiciary Systematically Targeted in Last 3-4 Years, Says Supreme Court.

Earlier this month, the accuser filed an affidavit in the court in the top court alleging sexual harassment by the CJI. The former employee has described two incidents of alleged molestation by Gogoi in her affidavit, both of which allegedly took place in October 2018, only days after he was appointed as the CJI. However, CJI Gogoi denied the allegations.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 30, 2019 07:48 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).