I-T probe report on Balakrishnan submitted to CBDT

The Income Tax department has submitted to the CBDT a "full probe report" of investments and assets of ex-Chief Justice of India and NHRC chief K G Balakrishnan and his family members.

The probe report has been compiled by the I-T investigations wing in Kochi in coordination with the Mumbai probe unit of the department. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) is at present going through the report.

"The full probe report with regard to former CJI Balakrishnan has been submitted to the CBDT last year. The investigations into the investments and assets possessed by him and his family members have been completed," a top I-T official said.

The official, however, refused to disclose any further information about the contents of the report.

Kochi DG (I-T Investigations) E T Luckose had last year said that they have found alleged "black money" instances after they probed the income of two of Balakrishnan's relatives.

The Supreme Court had yesterday asked the Centre to brief it on whether it has conducted any inquiry on allegation against Balakrishnan of amassing assets disproportionate to his income.

A bench headed by Chief Justice S H Kapadia directed the government to respond within a month on action taken by it or intended to be taken on the allegation that the former CJI amassed properties worth Rs 40 crore in his relatives' names between 2004 to 2009.

The bench asked Attorney General G E Vahanvati to apprise it on the issue within a month.

Justice Balakrishnan was elevated as a Supreme Court judge on June 2000 and was appointed Chief Justice of India on January 14, 2007. He retired on May 12, 2010 after which he was appointed NHRC Chairman.