Justice Katju Walks Out of NDTV Interview on His Allegations Against Judges
NEW DELHI : Justice Markandeya Katju truncated an interview with NDTV today which focused on his allegations that a corrupt judge was allowed to continue because of pressure from a UPA ally and “improper compromises” by three former Chief Justices of India. He left the interview when he was asked why he went public with his allegations 10 years after the event.
Justice Katju, who is chairman of the Press Council of India, wrote in the Times of India today that a judge in Tamil Nadu was protected by a regional ally of the Congress. His allegations have uncovered a new political row. The Rajya Sabha adjourned minutes after it assembled for the day as members waved copies of the newspaper in the house.
Justice Katju claims that an Intelligence Bureau investigation confirmed the allegations of corruption against the judge. He says he sought an Intelligence Bureau inquiry, which was cleared by then Chief Justice of India RC Lahoti.However, he says in his article that the judge was allowed to stay on because an important member of PM Manmohan Singh’s coalition would have quit the government otherwise. Justice Katju does not name the DMK, which was the only Tamil Nadu party that was part of the government.
He also told NDTV that three former Chief Justices – Justice Lahoti, Justice KG Balakrishnan and Justice YK Sabharwal “made improper compromises and succumbed to political pressure.” Justice Sabharwal allegedly gave the corrupt judge another term despite an adverse Intelligence report and Justice Balakrishnan confirmed him as permanent judge but transferred him to another state.
When asked why he waited till now to make his disclosure, Justice Katju said to NDTV, “Concentrate on whether what I’m saying is correct or not.” He then removed his mic and exited the interview. (NDTV)
