Fresh troubles for ex-CJI KG Balakrishnan

In fresh troubles for former Chief Justice of India Justice K G Balakrishnan, the Income Tax investigation wing has begun a preliminary enquiry into the allegations of amassment of wealth by his family members.

Sources in the IT department told PTI that a 'preliminary enquiry' was on.

Asked if anyone was questioned, the sources said 'We are looking into the matter', the sources said and refused to give any further details.

The Director General of Income Tax Investigation, E T Lukose, and other top officials are looking into the allegations against justice Balakrishnan's two sons-in-law -- P V Sreenijan and Benny -- and younger brother K G Bhaskaran, a special government pleader of the Kerala high court who resigned after the allegations broke out on health grounds.

New allegations have surfaced that Benny had purchased an office paying about Rs 35 lakh in the posh marine drive near the high court while the going rate was over crores. He had also purchased various other properties.

Media reports had earlier alleged that Sreenijan had also purchased an office space in the posh area besides building a resort at Thrissur and flats and properties, while Bhaskaran had bought landed properties in Kerala and Tamil Nadu.

Meanwhile, in a campaign to mount pressure on the high court advocates association to move a resolution seeking Justice Balakrishnan's resignation and order a probe into the allegations, a group of lawyers of the high court have begun a signature campaign.

Until the probe was over, Justice Balakrishnan should step down, they said.

The lawyers are likely to submit the notice to the association on Thursday.

On Tuesday, a meeting of association to discuss a resolution on corruption in higher Judiciary failed to take any decision as two sections of advocates demanded and opposed specific amendments seeking probe into the allegations.

The general body was called by the association to discuss the resolution to request a fact finding enquiry about the contents of letter submitted by former law minister Shanti Bhushan alleging corruption in higher judiciary.