New Delhi, April 23: Justice S A Bobde, who is the second most senior judge in the Supreme Court, will decide the next step into the sexual harassment allegation raised against Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi. An informal meeting of judges was held on Monday where CJI Rajnaj Gogoi offered his version of the developments and told Justice Bobde to decide on the next steps in the matter, The Indian Express reported.

The development came on the day when two associations of lawyers demanded the "Full Court of the Supreme Court" into the allegations of sexual harassment against Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and the Supreme Court Advocates-on-Record Association (SCAORA) said the suo moto court hearing held on April 20 on the issue was "in violation of procedure established by law as well as principles of natural justice". Supreme Court Lawyer Claims He Was Bribed to Be a Part of ‘Conspiracy Against CJI Ranjan Gogoi’, Shares Details in Facebook Post.

"That procedure adopted for conducting the court proceedings on April 20, in the matter of ex-employee of Supreme Court against the CJI is in violation of procedure established by law as well as principles of natural justice," the SCBA said in a resolution. The SCAORA said that it strongly disapproves the manner in which the complaint was dealt, and it seeks inquiry and action in the matter. ‘Larger Conspiracy’ to Destabilise Judiciary: SC on Sexual Harassment Allegations Against CJI Ranjan Gogoi.

The association said it "seeks immediate appointment of a committee headed by full court of Supreme Court to impartially investigate and inquire into the allegations made against the CJI, and give independent findings into the matter". CJI Gogoi had convened a Special Bench on Saturday morning after the media published allegations of sexual harassment against him.

The CJI denied the allegations, saying the complainant has criminal antecedents and that there is a larger force behind these attempts which are part of a conspiracy to unsettle the judiciary. The Chief Justice also said that he will continue to discharge his duties and complete his full tenure. (With agency inputs)

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Apr 23, 2019 09:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).