EX CJI K G Balakrishnan rejects Markandey Katju’s allegation
Katju alleged that the three former CJI had made improper compromises
New Delhi: As the Rajya Sabha Chairman’s call to maintain order went unheeded, the House was first adjourned for 10 minutes, and later till noon after ruckus over PCI chief Markandey Katju’s allegation that a “corrupt” judge was allowed to continue in the Madras High Court due to interference from a regional party.
Mr Katju alleged that the three former CJI, Justices R.C. Lahoti, Y.K. Sabharwal and K.G. Balakrishnan had made “improper compromises” and “succumbed to political pressure” in allowing the judge to continue. However, later on Monday, Justice Balakrishnan rejected these allegations as “completely baseless and not factually correct”. He said, “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.”
Read : Former SC judge Markandey Katju alleges 3 former CJIs made 'improper compromises'
The two other former CJIs did not respond to Justice Katju’s allegations.
AIADMK MP Mr Maitreyan and his colleagues were on their feet with copies of a newspaper carrying an article by Justice Katju. The Rajya Sabha Chairman asked the members not to display the copies as this was against the rules. When the members refused to heed his request, Mr Ansari named Mr Maitreyan.
In the Lok Sabha, AIADMK leader M. Thambidurai led party MPs in demanding a statement from law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on this “very serious matter”. The AIADMK leader quoted Mr Katju, saying the DMK minister went to the airport and told the former PM Manmohan Singh that his government would fall. To this, the Speaker said a point of order cannot be raised during Zero Hour, as she had not allowed a discussion on the issue.