Retired judges must decline a Parliament seat lest it be viewed as a political benefit
The President’s election of previous Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi, as a Rajya Sabha member so soon after his retirement will be viewed as a crass example of a routine rewarding a member of the judiciary for satisfying its expectations during his tenure. It will be futile to argue that it is a well-deserved recognition for a distinguished jurist. The gap of four months between his retirement and election, and the truth that a series of choices in his court remained in appearing conformity with today government’s expectations militate versus such a validation. The 2nd argument, that there have actually been instances of retired Chief Justices being chosen to the Upper House or appointed Guvs, does not cut