British Indian peer Lord Ranger wins right to judicial review of CBE annulment

LONDON: British Indian Tory peer Lord Rami Ranger, also known as Raminder Singh Ranger, has secured a groundbreaking right to challenge the revocation of his CBE (Commander of the Order of the British Empire) in court. The decision, made in 2024 following allegations of breaching the parliamentary code of conduct, was annulled by King Charles after the late Queen Elizabeth II awarded the honor for services to business and community cohesion.

In June, Lord Ranger brought a lawsuit against the UK Prime Minister at the UK Supreme Court, seeking to overturn the decision. The honours forfeiture committee had recommended the revocation, stating that Lord Ranger had "brought the honours system into disrepute" after consulting Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who had been advised by the committee.

The UK government attempted to dismiss the case, arguing that decisions to revoke honors fall under the prerogative powers, which are not subject to judicial review as they are discretionary decisions. However, Justice Nathalie Lieven ruled otherwise, stating that the removal of an honor has significant consequences for individuals, causing reputational damage and thus falls under justiciable proceedings.

The ruling on Tuesday allows Lord Ranger to proceed with a full judicial review of the decision to strip him of his honor. His legal team will argue that the decision was disproportionate, an attack on free speech, and that the forfeiture committee did not adhere to proper due process. This is unprecedented in Britain, as it marks the first time an individual has successfully challenged the revocation of a CBE.