Allegations against K.G. Balakrishnan will be probed: SC

New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Tuesday said an investigation will be carried out into allegations of disproportionate assets against former chief justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan.

Justices Dipak Misra and Prafulla. C. Pant said this while hearing a petition brought by Common Cause, a non-government organisation (NGO), that sought Balakrishnan’s removal as head of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

Although the demand by the NGO is not sustainable as Balakrishnan’s tenure as NHRC chairperson has already ended, the court agreed to look into the allegations of disproportionate assets and ensure a proper investigation.

Common Cause said a clear case of disproportionate assets can be made out against the former chief justice.

On 15 September, the bench comprising justices Misra and Pant had requested the assistance of the attorney general in this case.

Attorney general Mukul Rohatgi told the court on Tuesday that no evidence of irregularities had been found against the former chief justice in an investigation conducted into alleged acquisition of wealth by him.

In an earlier hearing, senior advocate Prashant Bhushan made references to alleged sale deeds of over 22 properties in the names of Balakrishnan’s children and brother.

“All of the judge’s relatives have verifiable income tax declarations and they have shown sources for their assets. Such unnecessary inquiry against a former CJI will set a dangerous precedent,” Rohatgi said before agreeing to submit a status report on the investigation in a sealed envelope to the court.

Balakrishnan held the CJI’s office from 14 January 2007 through 12 May 2010. He served as the NHRC chairperson from 7 June 2010 till 11 May 2015.