NEW DELHI: Days after being slapped with a contempt notice from the Supreme Court, Calcutta High Court Justice C S Karnan in a strongly worded letter to Chief Justice of India stated that his case should be sent to the Parliament. In an unprecedented act, the apex court had issued notice to Justice Karnan on February 8.
Justice Karnan, in his four page letter written to the Supreme Court Registrar General and Chief Justice of India J S Khehar and the other judges on the Bench has stated that the case should not be heard till Justice Khehar demits office and if it needs to be taken up urgently, then the matter should be sent to the Parliament.
The High Court judge has alleged that it is a case of upper caste judges misusing their powers to get rid of a Dalit judge. In his response Justice Karnan has stated that as a sitting judge, he is obligated to control corruption and irregularities in the judiciary and stated, “I am also a responsible judge to control such high irregularities especially corruption and malpractice. I have furnished comprehensive proof of unethical practices happening with the respective courts.”
He has then proceeded to make various allegations against the seven-judge Bench.
“Before obtaining any explanation from me, I wish to state that the Courts have no power to enforce punishment against a sitting judge of the High Court. The said order does not confirm to logic, therefore it is not suitable for execution”
The matter is now listed for hearing on Monday, February 13 when Justice Karnan would appear in-person before the Supreme Court.
Justice Karnan has written various letters against the Madras High Court Chief Justice which were addressed to the CJI, Prime Minister and others.
He was transferred from the Madras High Court to the Calcutta High Court for his alleged contemptuous conduct.