Retire corrupt judges: CJI

Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan has proposed premature retirement of subordinate court judges with "doubtful integrity". Satya Prakash reports.

Adopting a zero tolerance approach to corruption in judiciary, Chief Justice of India K G Balakrishnan has proposed premature retirement of subordinate court judges with "doubtful integrity".

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“The objective is to weed out those who are found to be indolent, infirm or with doubtful integrity, reputation or utility,” the CJI said in a letter to the chief justices of high courts.

The CJI’s letter comes at a time when 36 judges, including some from the Allahabad High Court, are facing allegations of corruption in connection with the Ghaziabad Provident Fund scam case.

The CJI said premature retirement could be secured in accordance with Rule 56(j) of Fundamental Rules after reviewing the service records of judicial officers when they attain the age of 50 and 55 years. He, however, said: "Pre-mature retirement…is not a stigma and no civil consequences follow such requirement."