Lord Rami Ranger, a prominent British Indian businessman and member of the House of Lords, is facing a major legal challenge following the revocation of his Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) award by the UK Forfeiture Committee. The decision, announced on December 7, 2023, has sparked outrage, leading Ranger to initiate legal action, including a judicial review and an appeal to the European Court of Human Rights. He staunchly denies any wrongdoing and accuses the committee of silencing him for exercising his right to free speech.
The committee’s decision is reportedly linked to Ranger’s outspoken criticism of Khalistani separatism and a BBC documentary about Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Ranger argues that his opposition to these issues, alongside online disputes, was used as a pretext to strip him of his honor. He asserts that this move sets a dangerous precedent, threatening free speech and undermining democratic values. In a statement, he emphasized the gravity of the decision, saying, “Today I lost my CBE for standing up against Khalistanis who wish to break up India and the BBC for producing a two-part documentary…to imply that the PM was involved in the Gujarat riots…for which PM Modi was exonerated by the highest court in India.”
The revocation of Ranger’s CBE, along with that of Anil Bhanot’s OBE, was published in the London Gazette and authorized by King Charles III. This has ignited widespread controversy, with many questioning the transparency and fairness of the Forfeiture Committee’s process. A spokesperson for Ranger condemned the decision, accusing the committee of a lack of due process and impartiality. Unlike previous cases where honours were revoked, Ranger has not been convicted of any crime or breach of law, highlighting the disparity in the treatment of his case.
Ranger’s spokesperson also pointed out that the Forfeiture Committee considered complaints from Sikhs for Justice, an organization designated as unlawful and a terrorist group by the Indian government. These complaints were allegedly treated as valid without sufficient investigation or transparency, suggesting a biased and unfair process.
Ranger’s legacy in British society is significant. He was awarded his CBE in 2016 for exceptional service and was appointed to the House of Lords in 2019. His company has won the Queen’s Awards for Enterprise in International Trade five times, marking his substantial contribution to the UK economy. He has also been instrumental in promoting community cohesion, founding the Pakistan, India & UK Friendship Forum and the Hindu Forum Britain, and chairing the British Sikh Association. Additionally, his charitable work includes supporting organizations like Combat Stress and The Prince’s Trust.
Despite issuing an apology for past remarks, undergoing rehabilitative training, and withdrawing from social media, Ranger remains determined to clear his name. He insists on an impartial review of the process and is committed to using all legal avenues to overturn the committee’s decision. His spokesperson emphasized that Lord Ranger intends to continue his valuable contributions to British society, which earned him the CBE in the first place. This legal battle holds significant implications for freedom of speech and the integrity of the British honours system, with many awaiting the outcome.
