PIL in SC seeking removal of Justice Balakrishnan as NHRC chairman

New Delhi: A PIL was filed in the Supreme Court seeking steps for the removal of former CJI K G Balakrishnan as NHRC Chairman for his alleged “misbehaviour” and purchase of benami properties. The petition, filed by NGO Common Cause, also wanted the competent authority to make a reference to the apex court to hold inquiry against Balakrishnan. “The main allegation pertains to purchasing benami properties in the names of his daughters, sons-in-law and brother. The respondent no 2 (Balakrishnan) and his kin continue to enjoy these properties or the profits earned from them even at present,” it said. The petition, filed through advocate Prashan Bhushan, alleged that despite there being evidence indicating that Balakrishnan has been guilty of several acts of “grave misbehaviour”, the government has refused to initiate the process for his removal from the office of Chairperson of NHRC. [caption id=“attachment_1006361” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Retired Justice K G Balakrishnan in this file photo. Reuters[/caption] The plea also sought a direction to the government to comply with Supreme Court’s May 10, 2012 order by which it had asked the then President Pratibha Patil to take a decision on a complaint filed before her against Balakrishnan regarding his alleged misconduct during his tenure as a judge in the apex court. The apex court, however, had refused to direct the Centre to recommend a Presidential reference for removal of Balakrishnan as the chairman of NHRC. PTI