Issue raised by Katju is serious, not to be taken lightly: Jay Panda

Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Jay Panda said on Tuesday that the matter raised by Justice (retired) Maarkandey Katju is serious one and cannot be taken lightly.

Jay Panda told ANI, "These are serious allegations which cannot be dismissed lightly. I think they should be looked into. And about the issue why it has been bought up so late, I think it might have been preventable issue if the issue had been raised at that time itself. But even though now it has come out late, it is worth looking into."

"If the faith in our judiciary is compromised then it can have serious impact on our democracy and democratic values. So the matter needs to be inquired into," he added.

Clearing his views on the government in power at the time faulty appointment of judge was made, Panda said, "It is not about the question that who was in government and who was not, the allegation is about the compromises being made in the appointment of judges. Irrespective of whoso ever was in power, these are serious charges."

"I can't answer the question that why these issues were not raised by him at that point of time itself, but it would have been better if done so," he added.

Katju had claimed yesterday that a district Judge, who had several allegations of corruption against him, was not sacked and was elevated to the post of additional judge of the Madras High Court owing to the pressure put on the UPA Government and the judicial collegiums by a Tamil Nadu-based party.