Kozhikode bar panel asks Balakrishnan to step down, face probe

KOZHIKODE - The Kozhikode Bar Association Friday passed a resolution asking National Human Rights Commission chief and former chief justice of India K.G. Balakrishnan to step down from his post and face a probe into allegations of corruption against him.

The resolution, passed with more than 100 members supporting it and just two members not in favour, is the first time a Bar Association has passed a resolution against a former chief justice since the controversy over his relatives amassing huge wealth surfaced.

Retired Supreme Court judge V.R. Krishna Iyer was the first to demand Balakrishnan’s resignation after reports surfaced that his son-in-law P.V. Srinijin, a Youth Congress activist, and other relations has amassed huge wealth.

Balakrishnan’s brother K.G. Bhaskaran, a special government counsel in Kerala, also has come under the scanner and went on leave Monday. The Advocate General’s office Friday said he had sent in his resignation, citing health reasons.

The Kerala government ordered a vigilance probe into the amassing of wealth by Srinijin and early this week, Srinijin also quit from the Youth Congress.

The Thrissur Vigilance Court Wednesday accepted a petition against Srinijin and Bhaskaran, accusing them of financial irregularities. The case will be given a detailed hearing Jan 18.

Meanwhile, central Minister of State for Home Mullapally Ramachandran welcomed the Kerala government’s decision to order a probe against Srinijin but declined to make any comment on Balakrishnan.