Markandey Katju's remark lowered dignity of judiciary, says senior advocate Adish C Aggarwala

NEW DELHI: A lawyers' body today criticised retired Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju saying he has "lowered the dignity" of the judiciary by levelling "false allegation" against three ex-Chief Justices of India that they made "improper compromises" under political pressure in the confirmation of additional judge of Madras High Court.

"It is surprising that Justice Katju made these false allegations after so many years and even after the death of concerned judge," senior advocate Adish C Aggarwala, Chairman of All India Bar Association, said.

"Intelligence Bureau reports have not been accepted in so many appointments of High Court and Supreme Court judges. If the said High Court judge was corrupt, then it was obligatory on Justice Katju as chief justice of Madras High Court to seek at least his transfer if not his impeachment," he said.

The AIBA Chairman said that it is not appropriate for a retired judge and chairperson of Press Council of India to lower down the dignity of judiciary.

"If these allegations would have been made by some other person, he would have been convicted under the Contempt of Court Act," Aggarwala added.