Chennai: Issuing a stern warning against corruption in judiciary, Madras High Court Chief Justice MY Eqbal on Thursday said 500 petitions against judicial officers were under the court`s scrutiny and anyone coming under a cloud should better quit.
In a candid talk while administering oath of office to the newly appointed civil judges, he said the common opinion of general public was not appreciative and Judicial officers are also equally blamed along with any other government servants.
"At present there are about 500 petitions under the scrutiny of High Court as against about 900 judicial officers working now. In all the complaints we are not taking drastic action of suspension or removal from service, but we will be keeping a watch of all the petitions received," he said. Warning that the higher judiciary would be compelled to take drastic action of suspending the judicial officer if it continued to receive petitions, he pointed out to the recent case of Ramanathapuram District Judge, suspended on five counts, including corruption and sleeping during hearings.
"If we receive petitions continuously, then we will be compelled to take the drastic action of suspending the Judicial Officer, whether they are at the higher level in the cadre of District Judge or lower level in the cadre of Civil Judge Junior division," the Chief Justice said.