A day before he steps down, Chief Justice of India Justice KG Balakrishnan came out in strong defence of his colleagues at a time when the credibility and of judiciary has taken a hit. Excerpts from the outgoing CJI's exclusive interview to CNN-IBN:
When asked if he felt pressurised during the recent Ambani gas dispute, CJI said, "I have never felt any pressure in any case that I have heard "
When pressed further, if anyone from the government had attempted to influence the case, CJI said, "People don't understand the working of judiciary. No politician will like to come and meet a judge. He will be in trouble, suppose the judge exposes him, his political career can be in danger"
When asked if he felt hut by the growing number of cases of judicial corruption during his tenure, he said, "Corruption will always bother anyone. But considering the number of cases and judges, it's actually miniscule. Situation is not very serious "
On being asked if he had indeed transferred Justice Dinakaran to Sikkim high court and if he felt sad about serious allegations against a senior judge, the CJI said, "I felt sorry that some motives were attached to me as well. We work systematically following all norms."
When asked if the credibility of judges was not taking a hit as a number of them go onto accept goverment posts after their retirement, he said, "There are so many tribunals that have to be manned by retired judges of SC. There is TDSAT etc. People think that SC judges may favour the government to get these posts, but actually it's the other way. The government wants us there. "
When asked if he himself was considering taking up a government post after retirement, he said, " I have not made up my mind as yet."
Image: Outgoing CJI Justice K G Balakrishnan
