Firm, And Fair

Justice Gogois handling of politically significant cases like the Ram Janmabhoomi will be keenly watched

- Soni Mishra

CHIEF JUSTICE OF INDIA-designate Ranjan Gogoi could well have charted a different course had he not lost a toss with his elder brother when they were growing up in Dibrugarh, Assam. Gogoi’s parents told the brothers that only one of them could go to the Sainik School in Goalpara, and asked them to decide among themselves who it would be.

The elder brother—Air Marshal Anjan Gogoi—won the toss and headed to Sainik School. And the loser of the toss, who stayed back to study at Don Bosco School, is all set to take over as chief justice of India on October 3.

“I was very keen [to go to Sainik School], he was not as keen as me. There was a toss-up. I joined the Sainik School. In a way, it did channelise our future,” said Air Marshal Gogoi, who has settled down in Dibrugarh after his retirement.

He recollected that his younger brother was always a stickler for propriety and fair play. Justice Gogoi was second among five siblings— three brothers and two sisters—and the brothers were all outdoorsy. “We would usually return home late after our games, but Ranjan was always on time,” he said.

The retired air marshal also recalled that his younger brother— whatever game they played, be it cricket, football or even marbles— would not tolerate any cheating or deviation from the rules of the game. This often led to arguments and squabbles. “Maybe, this was an indication of things to come,” he said.

Justice Gogoi also almost joined the civil services. His father—late chief minister of Assam Kesab Chandra Gogoi—asked him to appear for the UPSC exams. Reluctant to say no, he appeared for the exam and cleared it. But, did not join; he became a lawyer instead.