Who was 46th CJI?
VerifiedAnswer: Justice Ranjan Gogoi
Explanation:
Justice Ranjan Gogoi served as the 46th Chief Justice of India from October 3, 2018, to November 17, 2019. Born on November 18, 1954, in Dibrugarh, Assam, he had a distinguished career in the Indian judiciary before ascending to the highest judicial office in the country.
Justice Gogoi began his legal career after completing his law degree from Delhi University. He was enrolled as an advocate in 1978 and practiced primarily in the Gauhati High Court. His expertise in constitutional law and civil matters earned him recognition, leading to his elevation as a judge of the Gauhati High Court in February 2001.
His tenure at the Supreme Court began in April 2012 when he was elevated as a judge. During his time as a Supreme Court judge, Justice Gogoi was part of several landmark judgments and constitutional benches that shaped Indian jurisprudence. He was known for his keen understanding of constitutional matters and his commitment to upholding the rule of law.
As Chief Justice, Justice Gogoi presided over several significant cases that had far-reaching implications for Indian society. One of the most notable was the Ayodhya land dispute case, where the Supreme Court delivered a unanimous verdict in November 2019, just before his retirement. The judgment resolved a decades-old dispute and demonstrated the court's ability to handle sensitive matters with constitutional wisdom.
Justice Gogoi's tenure also saw important developments in judicial administration and transparency. He emphasized the need for faster disposal of cases and worked towards reducing the backlog in courts across the country. His leadership style focused on efficiency while maintaining the dignity and independence of the judiciary.
After his retirement from the Supreme Court, Justice Gogoi was nominated to the Rajya Sabha in March 2020, making him the first former Chief Justice to join the upper house of Parliament immediately after retirement. This appointment sparked constitutional debates about the separation of powers and the convention of former judges taking up political positions.
Justice Gogoi's contribution to Indian judiciary extends beyond his tenure as CJI. His judgments and administrative reforms continue to influence the legal landscape of India, making him a significant figure in the country's constitutional history.
