Learn about Ranjan Gogoi, the 46th Chief Justice of India, his career, family life, and significant contributions to the Indian judiciary. This comprehensive biography delves into his life and notable cases.
Wiki/Biography
Born on Thursday, November 18, 1954 (age 68 years as of 2022), in Dibrugarh, Assam, Ranjan Gogoi’s zodiac sign is Scorpio. He received his early education at Don Bosco High School and Cotton University in Guwahati. His academic pursuits continued with a History Honours degree from St. Stephen’s College, Delhi, followed by a Bachelor of Laws from Delhi University.
After graduating, he took the UPSC exam at his father’s behest, although his personal ambition was to become a lawyer. This decision marked the beginning of a remarkable legal journey.
Physical Appearance
- Height (approx.): 5′ 6″
- Eye Colour: Black
- Hair Colour: Black
Family, Caste & Wife
Ranjan Gogoi hails from the Tai Ahom ethnicity. His father, Keshab Chandra Gogoi, was a former Chief Minister of Assam, and his mother’s name is Shanti Gogoi. He has a distinguished family with an elder brother, Anjan Gogoi (a retired Air Marshal), a younger brother, Niranjan Gogoi (a doctor residing in London), and two younger sisters.
He’s married to Rupanjali Gogoi and they have two children: a daughter, Rashmi Gogoi (an advocate), and a son, Raktim Gogoi (also an advocate).
Career
Gogoi’s legal career began in 1978 when he joined the Bar Association and practiced at the Gauhati High Court. His rise through the judicial ranks was meteoric:
- Appointed Permanent Judge, Gauhati High Court (February 28, 2001)
- Transferred to Punjab and Haryana High Court (September 9, 2010)
- Appointed Chief Justice, Punjab and Haryana High Court (February 12, 2011)
- Appointed Judge, Supreme Court of India (April 23, 2012)
- Appointed 46th Chief Justice of India (October 3, 2018)
- Retired from the post of Chief Justice of India (November 2019)
- Nominated to the Rajya Sabha (March 16, 2020)
His tenure as CJI included high-profile cases like the Ayodhya Land Dispute and the Reliance Communications case. He also played a key role in establishing the precedent that all election candidates must fully disclose their assets, qualifications, and criminal records.
Controversies
Gogoi’s career wasn’t without controversy. He faced criticism for the Supreme Court’s decision in the Soumya murder and rape case. His involvement in a 2018 press conference with three other Supreme Court judges, alleging issues within the court’s functioning, sparked significant debate. A sexual harassment allegation against him in 2019 was later dismissed by an inquiry panel.
More recently, a defamation lawsuit was filed against him in 2023 concerning his autobiography, “Justice for the Judge,” and its content related to the National Register of Citizens (NRC) update exercise.
Assets/Properties (as of 2018)
A summary of his declared assets in 2018:
| Asset Type | Value (INR) |
|---|---|
| Bank Deposits | 6.50 lacs |
| Fixed Deposits | 16 lacs |
| LIC Policy | 5 lacs |
| Residential Building | Inherited land, Japorigog Mouza Beltola, Assam |
Salary
His salary in 2020 was approximately Rs. 1 Lakh, plus allowances.
Facts/Trivia
- During his time as CJI, Gogoi handled numerous high-profile cases, including the Ayodhya Land Dispute and the Reliance Communications case.
- In 2018, he dismissed a petition seeking a probe into the attack on Kanhaiya Kumar.
- A Supreme Court bench headed by him ruled that full asset, qualification, and criminal record disclosure is mandatory for election candidates.
