New Delhi:
After a huge controversy over his alleged corruption, will Justice PD Dinakaran be promoted to the Supreme Court?
For the first time, the Chief Justice of India, KG Balakrishnan, has gone on record to discuss the matter. He spoke to NDTV's A Vaidyanathan about the case.
NDTV: When can we expect a decision on Justice Dinakaran?
Chief Justice of India: I met Karnataka lawyers. We have sent it to the government. Let them take decision. Why hasty decision?
NDTV: You are waiting for Centre's report?
Chief Justice of India: That's the stand taken by us. We don't have machinery to check the allegations.
Justice Dinakaran was among five High Court judges recommended earlier this year by the Supreme Court collegium, or panel of judges, to the government earlier this year.
Dinakaran is currently the Chief Justice of Karnataka. Lawyers there have repeatedly asked that he not preside over hearings till corruption charges against him are decided.
Dinakaran is accused of illegally acquiring land in Tamil Nadu for his family.
Normally, when Supreme Court judges recommend other judges for promotion, the government does not challenge them. In this case, however, the Chief Justice seems to indicate that the government will have to decide whether to stop Dinakaran from making it to the Supreme Court.