There were mixed reactions from parties to Markandey Katju’s charge that three ex-Chief Justices of India had compromised in giving extension and elevation to an additional judge of the Madras High Court at the UPA Government’s instance, with some including AIADMK demanding a probe while others questioned the timing of his disclosure.

AIADMK members in Lok Sabha sought an enquiry into the allegations by former Supreme Court judge Katju, who is now Press Council of India chairperson, charging DMK and the erstwhile UPA Government with “interfering” in the appointment of the judge.

“It is a serious matter... the previous Government and the DMK interfered in the appointment of a corrupt judge,” AIADMK leader M Thambidurai said during Zero Hour today, demanding a probe by the Government into the allegations.

BSP chief Mayawati termed the charges as serious and demanded a probe into them.

“The allegations levelled by Katju are serious and I think they should be investigated. If there is any element of truth in them, there should be action. There should not be any political interference in the appointment of judges,” she told presspersons.

Congress leaders trashed the allegations, saying they had no relevance and it was an attempt by Katju to remain in the news and “come close to the present Government”.

“After more than a decade, you are raising this issue... It has no relevance. I take it as an attempt to defame the judiciary,” party leader Rajiv Shukla said.

Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut and D Raja of CPI questioned the timing of the allegations and wondered what Katju did when the alleged corrupt judge was elevated.

“Everybody knows about corruption in the judiciary. If Katju had exposed it then, the point he is making now would have been more forceful. Now after so many years, after you have retired, after the Government has changed, there is no significance in what he has said. He should have spoken then,” Raut said.

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