Thursday, August 18, 2011

Justice Sen claims innocence at impeachment proceedings

Impeachment proceedings against Justice Soumitra Sen of the Calcutta high court began in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, the first-ever in the Upper House and second in Parliament history.

Justice Sen, who presented his case personally, is facing impeachment on two grounds of misconduct and the motions against him are of misappropriation of large sums of money, which he allegedly received in his capacity as receiver appointed by the high court, besides misrepresentation of facts. Defending himself, Justice Sen said he was being victimised and charges of misappropriation of funds were a “pre-determined” move. He contended that the case against him was based on former Chief Justice of India(CJI) Justice K.G. Balakrishanan’s letter to the Prime Minister in this regard. “Balakrishnan thought a deeper probe was necessary, though there were no allegations,” said Justice Sen.

“I am the sacrificial lamb here...real issue has been swept under the carpet,” said Justice Sen.
Appearing before a ‘bar’ “posted” at the gate of the central aisle of the Upper House facing the Chairman Hamid Ansari after CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury moved the motions against him, Justice Sen said “I have exhausted my remedies in accordance with law. I have come here to seek justice. If you impeach me, it will be the gravest of injustice done ever. Kindly apply your mind before deciding on the judgement, as it is a question of my life.”

Supporting the motions, leader of Opposition Arun Jaitley said “A judge has to lead by example and a judge cannot rely on technicalities and try to escape the rigours of law.” He also said that litigants cannot be judged by a judge, who himself is “stigmatised.”

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