Benami transaction case: Relief to ex-CJI Balakrishnan as IT department gives clean chit

New Delhi: In a major relief to former Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan, the Income Tax department on Tuesday gave clean chit to him in an alleged benami property transaction case.

Appearing in the Supreme Court on behalf of the Centre, Attorney General Mukul Rohatgi said the petition has no relevance and that nothing was found in the income tax case against Balakrishnan.

The petition was filed by an NGO - Common Cause - against the former Chief Justice. The NGO had earlier accused Balakrishnan of amassing Benami property and disproportionate assets in the names of his relatives and associates during his tenure as Chief Justice.

The next hearing in the case is scheduled to take place on January 19.