I’m not corrupt, communal: Justice Manjunath on last day

Bengaluru: After 14 years of service as the judge of High Court of Karnataka, Justice K.L. Manjunath, who retired on Monday, addressed the Bar and Bench in his farewell speech, even revealing the truth behind constant campaign to malign his career.

The judge, who has disposed of at least 60,000 cases, was seen becoming emotional. While stating that he is laying down office with utmost satisfaction, he said, “Time has come to reveal truth. If I do not reveal the truth of the day of my retirement, the truth will be buried along with me.”

Justice Manjunath said, “Everything was fine till I attained seniority. When I did, a wild campaign started against me by some members of the judiciary with an intention to ruin my career. I have suffered a lot because of it for almost six years. A false article was published against me in a daily newspaper. Media followed me for an interview to find out whether I have acquired a site illegally in the name of my daughter and they had made arrangements to telecast the interview. I informed them I cannot give interview as a judge and that they can telecast their report it at their risk.”

The justice said that a false complaint was filed against him over amassing of wealth, which was published in a yellow journal from Kerala. “Around 50,000 copies were distributed free, throughout the country. The allegations were proved false after the CJI conducted an inquiry. Even as my name was being cleared for elevation to Punjab and Harayana High Court, another campaign started.”

While he made it clear that he never lobbied to become a CJ, he said that none of his judgements attracted adverse remarks from the SC. He wondered why his file was not re-considered after allegations against him were proved wrong and that the file was kept pending for more than 10 months.