SC moved for Balakrishnan's removal as NHRC chief

The Supreme Court was moved Friday seeking direction to the government to start proceedings for the removal of former Chief Justice of India K.G.Balakrishnan as the chairman of the National Human Rights Commission.

NGO Common Cause has sought direction to the government that it should make a reference to the apex court under Section 5(2) of the Protection of Human Rights Act for holding an inquiry against Justice Balakrishnan for his alleged acts of misbehaviour during his tenure as CJI.

The NGO, in its PIL, alleged that during the tenure of Justice Balakrishnan, his close relatives including his daughters and sons-in-laws acquired assets disproportionate to their known sources of income.

It has also alleged that 'benami' (proxy) properties were purchased in the name of his former aide M. Kannabiran.

The PIL said that Justice Balakrishnan approved "evasive and false replies given by CPIO, Supreme Court in response to the RTI application filed by Subhash Chandra Agarwal regarding declaration of assets by judges..."

It claimed that the response to RTI application also suppressed a letter written by a high court judge alleging that then union minister A. Raja tried to interfere in his judicial function and alleged Balakrishnan lied to the press that he had not received any such letter.

The PIL said that the government has neither taken action nor responded to its representation seeking reference to the apex court for an inquiry into the misbehaviour of the former chief justice.