I’m against police probing members of judiciary: Law Minister

Law Minister H R Bhardwaj on Wednesday said he disapproved of the police or any other investigating agency questioning members of the judiciary over allegations of corruption. He was speaking at the Supreme Court lawns on the occasion of Law Day where he shared the dais with Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan. “I am very disappointed to see the Central Bureau of Investigation or police investigate judges. We should have something like it is in the UK,” the minister said as he underlined the need for a mechanism “within the judiciary” to deal and remove errant judges, if allegations against them are found true.

Only recently, the CJI had ordered a CBI probe into UP provident fund scam, involving several retired and serving judges, including one from the apex court. The CBI was also asked to investigate a case of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, where huge sums of money were allegedly sent to a judge seeking favour.

The minister recalled how in the past there had been instances when former CJIs had asked judges, under cloud over allegations of impropriety or corruption, to step down and the appeal had been duly complied with.

Earlier, speaking to reporters about Justice Soumitra Sen of the Calcutta High Court, who has refused to step down despite being asked by the CJI after allegations against him came to light, Bhardwaj brushed aside reports that impeachment proceedings against Justice Sen would not be initiated. He said since the CJI had recommended it, the Government would abide by it. “But at the same time”, he added, “it’s a cumbersome process and will take time.”