New Delhi: The Home Ministry has asked the
Revenue Department to conduct a probe into the allegations of
disproportionate assets against former Chief Justice of India
K G Balakrishnan.
In a letter to the Revenue Secretary, the Home Ministry
asked him to institute an inquiry through the Central Board of
Direct Taxes (CBDT), the investigative wing of the department.
The Home Ministry missive came after it received a
petition alleging that Balakrishnan, currently chairperson of
National Human Rights Commission, had acquired assets
disproportionate to his known sources of income and some of
these properties were purchased in the name of his close
relatives.
"The petition with allegations has been sent to
Secretary Revenue department for inquiry," official sources
said.
When contacted, Balakrishnan refused to comment, saying
that he had already cleared the air about his assets.
The petition listed the income and properties of
Balakrishnan and his relatives and also attached documents
showing purchase of some of the properties and has demanded
investigations by the CBDT.
"Since the CBDT has the expertise to probe into anyone's
income and disproportionate assets, the task has been given to
it," the sources said.
If the allegations against Balakrishnan are found to be
true, the Home Ministry may move to President of India seeking
sanction to prosecute him and also remove him from the post of
NHRC.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, June 22, 2011, 20:49