Marya Shakil , CNN-IBN; Feb 27, 2011,
Kochi: The list of allegations against former Chief justice of India KG Balakrishnan is growing longer. The Income Tax department probing into the allegations of disproportionate assets of his advocate sons in law PV Sreenijan and MJ Benny and brother KG Bhaskaran has now said that the former CJI's family has raised black money.
On February 18, the Supreme Court had asked the Attorney General to find out the status of the complaint on the former CJI's assets. Just two days before that Balakrishnan had asked the Income Tax office in Kochi not to disclose details of his I-T returns - sought by an activist under the RTI Act. Legal luminaries now say the President should initiate proceedings to remove Balakrishnan from the post of NHRC chairperson.
Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) JS Verma has hit out at ex-CJI KG Balakrishnan saying he must step down as NHRC chief.
Speaking to CNN-IBN against the backdrop of new investigations showing assets disproportionate to known sources of income with Balakrishnan's close relatives, Justice Verma said it's time the President stepped in and started proceedings to remove Balakrishnan from the post.
"There is provision for the President to move and removal proceedings should be carried on. He should quit and if the allegations are not true according to him then burden is on him to prove his innocence. Silence is no longer an option as sufficient disrepute has been brought to Judiciary and NHRC," Verma said
Supreme Court Lawyer Anil Divan demanded setting up of an enquiry commission. "A commission of enquiry should be set up and Balakrishnan should explain," Divan said.
The Income Tax department hasn't yet questioned the former CJI. The black money trail could lead to several uncomfortable questions like - did KG Balakrishnan's family misuse his name and office to amass wealth disproportionate to their assets ?
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