In a significant move, the Assam government, led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has declared its decision to confer the prestigious "Asom Baibhab" award, the highest civilian honor in the state, upon former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi. This announcement comes just days before the consecration of the Ram temple at Ayodhya, and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma expressed the state's pride in recognizing Gogoi's substantial contribution to the legal field.

Gogoi, who hails from Assam, headed the Supreme Court bench that delivered the historic judgment in the Ramjanambhumi-Babri Masjid case in 2019. CM Sarma, addressing reporters in Guwahati, highlighted Gogoi's role as the first judge from the Northeast to hold the esteemed position of CJI. Sarma emphasized that the award acknowledges Gogoi's exceptional efforts to expand the delivery of justice and enrich the nation's jurisprudence.

"It was a legal matter, and there was no individual issue, but it was a five-judge bench, and that bench was headed by an Assamese. We feel proud that the bench was headed by an Assamese," stated CM Sarma. He went on to emphasize Gogoi's role in disposing of long-pending cases and noted that he holds a special place in the hearts of the people of Assam.

The "Asom Baibhab" award, instituted in December 2021, aims to recognize outstanding contributions across various fields. Industrialist and philanthropist Ratan Tata and Assamese oncologist Tapan Saikia were the recipients in 2022 and 2023, respectively.

CM Sarma also announced the "Asom Saurav," the second-highest civilian award, for four notable individuals. Cultural expert Kishan Chand Nauriyal, instrumental in the preparation of a UNESCO cultural Heritage Site nomination for Charaideo Maidam in Assam, international swimmer Elvis Ali Hazarika, renowned athlete Hima Das, and Tiwa folk dance exponent Nadiram Deuri were among those honored.

The "Asom Saurav" awards for 17 prominent achievers from the state were also unveiled by CM Sarma during the announcement. The ceremony to present the awards to Gogoi and others is scheduled to take place on February 10 in Guwahati, with Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar in attendance.

Ranjan Gogoi, after completing his term as CJI, was nominated as a Rajya Sabha member in 2020, further cementing his role as a distinguished figure in both the legal and political realms. The decision to confer the "Asom Baibhab" award upon him reflects the state's recognition of his lasting impact and contribution to the field of justice, making him an iconic figure for generations to come.