Former Chief Justice of Madras High Court Justice V K Tahilramani who had recently resigned after her proposed transfer to Meghalaya High Court is now likely to face a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe for alleged misconduct.
Also read: Madras HC Chief Justice tight lipped over quitting for transfer to Meghalaya
Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi asked the CBI to ‘take further action in accordance with law’ on an Intelligence Bureau (IB) report red-flagging Tahilramani’s purchase of two flats on the outskirts of Chennai.
The IB report also mentioned Tahilramani’s decision to dissolve a special High Court bench dealing with idol theft cases involving influential people and her alleged links with a minister of Tamil Nadu.
Also read: Madras HC Chief Justice resigns protesting transfer to Meghalaya HC
As per reports, the former Chief Justice of Madras High Court purchased two flats-one at Lorraine Tower and the other at Semmancherry village – on the outskirts of Chennai with a total amount of Rs 3.18 crore.
The IB mentioned that a part of the total amount had been paid from HDFC Bank loans and the rest had been paid through her own funds from the six bank accounts of her family.
The IB also alleged Tahilramani’s decision to dissolve a special bench headed by Justice Mahadevan that had taken a tough stand against the idol theft cases involving influential people.
It also mentioned that a minister of Tamil Nadu was not pleased with the investigations being carried out against the idol theft cases by retired IGP Pon Manickavel who had earlier taken strict action in several idol theft cases.
The IB report also mentioned Tahilramani allegedly favouring several advocates.
It may be mentioned that a Supreme Court collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi, recommended transfer of Tahilramani as Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court last month.
When Tahilramani sought a reconsideration on the decision of her transfer, the Supreme Court collegium did not accept her request following which she resigned from her post.