Ex-CJI calls graft claims baseless

Says he transferred judge because of links to TN party

Former Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan hit back at Press Council of India chairman Markandey Katju, terming “completely baseless” his allegations that he and two other ex-CJIs made “improper compromises” in retaining a Tamil Nadu judge under corruption cloud during the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) rule.

Wondering why Katju, a former Supreme Court judge, raised the issue after so many years, Balakrishnan said the concerned judge, who has passed away, was given extension strictly following the laid down procedure and that it was not done under any pressure from any quarters.

“It (allegation made by Katju) is completely baseless. It is not factually correct,” the former Chief Justice, who is one of the three CJIs Katju had accused of improper compromises, said.

Two other CJIs, Justices R C Lahoti and Y K Sabharwal, did not respond to Katju’s allegations. “In confirmation of a judge, what is improper compromise .... After 10 years, he makes these (allegations) and that too when that gentleman is no more,” Balakrishnan said.

Katju alleged that the three former CJIs — Justices R C Lahoti, Y K Sabharwal and K G Balakrishnan — made “improper compromises” and “succumbed to political pressure” in allowing the judge to continue despite an “adverse” Intelligence Bureau report on allegations of corruption against him.

Balakrishnan, currently chairperson of National Human Rights Commission, however, said there were allegations against the judge that he had some “acquaintances” with the ruling party in Tamil Nadu and that is why he had transferred him to Andhra Pradesh.

Asked about the Intelligence Bureau report mentioned by Katju, he said he was not aware of it. “I thought it fit to transfer him to Andhra Pradesh.

That was the best thing we can do. Because that party is not ruling party in Andhra Pradesh. He was confirmed and sent to Andhra Pradesh. This is the only factual report,” Balakrishnan said.

“There is no political pressure or anything of that sort or any corruption. I do not know what he (Katju) is saying,” he said.