Explain huge assets allegation: CJI to Karnataka Chief Justice

Here is the latest on judges' assets and judicial accountability:

Explain huge assets allegation: CJI to Karnataka Chief Justice

Taking note of allegations of acquisition of "huge assets" made against Karnataka High Court Chief Justice P D Dinakaran, Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan reportedly sought an explanation from the judge who denied the charges.

The meeting that took place last week in New Delhi came against the backdrop of five legal luminaries writing to the CJI about complaints from several lawyers based in Chennai against Dinakaran.

The leading advocates including F S Nariman, Shanti Bhushan, Ashok Desai and Ram Jethmalani suggested that the CJI should reconsider the decision to elevate the judge to the Supreme Court.

Dinakaran and four others have been recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium to the Government for being appointed as judges of the apex court.

Highly-placed sources said during the meeting at the CJI's residence and attended by some Supreme Court judges, Dinakaran's attention was drawn to the letter sent by the lawyers under the auspices of the Forum for Judicial Accountability levelling charges of land grabbing and other "irregularities" against the judge.

Dinakaran is understood to have denied the charges before returning to Bangalore.

The Bar Council of India (BCI) had on Monday voiced reservation over Dinakaran being appointed to the apex court.