Moily seeks end to public row over Karnataka chief justice

BANGALORE - Central Law Minister M. Veerappa Moily Saturday sought an end to public controversy over Karnataka Chief Justice P.D. Dinakaran’s proposed appointment as judge of the Supreme Court in view of allegations against him.

“There are constitutional provisions and procedures for the appointment. A public discussion on the issue (elevation of Dinakaran to the apex court) is not appropriate,” he told reporters on the margins of a conference on judicial and police reforms here.

“The Indian judiciary is held in high esteem the world over. If we publicly comment on it, it will only hurt us,” he said.

A section of lawyers in Chennai has alleged that Dinakaran, who was a judge of the Tamil Nadu High Court prior to his appointment as Karnataka chief justice, has acquired land beyond the permissible limit in that state.

Dinakaran reportedly denied the allegations during his meeting with Chief Justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan in Delhi early this month.

Besides a section of Chennai advocates, several eminent lawyers also have opposed Dinakaran’s elevation to the apex court till charges against him are cleared.

The Bangalore Advocates Association has passed a resolution requesting Dinakaran not to hold his court till his name is cleared of the allegations.

The Karnataka High Court has vacation for Dussehra and reopens Oct 5. The Bangalore Advocates Association has said if Dinakaran holds court after the vacation, it will decide on that day whether to abstain from appearing before him or not.