Don't doubt Justice Katju's integrity, but facts need verification: Tamil Nadu Congress leader Gnanidesikan

The president of the Tamil Nadu Congress, B.S.Gnanidesikan said Monday that he does not doubt the integrity of former Supreme Court judge Justice (Retired) Markandey Katju, but added that the facts presented by him on the issue of corruption in the Madras High Court needed to be verified.

"He has not named any judge. He has just named one judge of the Madras High Court. I am not concerned about the facts, they are not under my preview. Nor I am aware of the total facts of the case which Justice Katju has revealed today."

"Whatever happened, that is the exclusive knowledge of the government, Supreme Court and then of Justice Katju. Therefore, I am not the competent person to comment on the issue,"

Reposing his faith in Justice Katju, Gnanidesikan said, "I have a very high respect for Katju, and don't doubt his integrity. While at the same time, facts require clarification and verification."

Earlier, Justice Katju had said that an additional judge of the Madras High Court was found guilty of corruption, and even then was given a one year extension, and added that this was not correct.

He also said that he had requested then Chief Justice Lahoti for a secret IB investigation against the additional judge.

"The report corroborated my knowledge, and as one ally of Congress was backing this, they objected to his removal," Katju said.