ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD
Members Only
lock close icon

Shocked Law Fraternity Wants Arunachal Ex-CM’s Suicide Note Probed

The Quint had reported that Pul’s suicide note names four top law officials who allegedly sought bribes from him.

Updated
Politics
2 min read
story-hero-img
i
Aa
Aa
Small
Aa
Medium
Aa
Large
Hindi Female

Shocked by The Quint's expose on late Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Kalikho Pul's explosive suicide note, which names four top law officials who sought huge bribes from him, India's legal fraternity on Wednesday demanded a probe by a central probe agency into the allegations.

Almost all top lawyers and a few retired judges from the higher judiciary The Quint spoke to – some of whom did not want to be named – admitted that it was time that the judiciary subjected itself to greater transparency and accountability in the face of regular allegations of corruption. For legal reasons, The Quint did not disclose the names of the four top law officials named in Pul’s suicide note.

ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

Finding a link between Pul’s suicide and the Birla-Sahara diary judgement of January this year, Swaraj India National President and noted psephologist Yogendra Yadav today hinted at hidden hand behind the manner in which lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan’s petition seeking a probe into alleged payoffs to a high political functionary was not entertained by the Supreme Court.

0

Enormous Implications for Judicial Accountability: Prashant Bhushan

Reacting to The Quint’s story, lawyer-activist Prashant Bhushan in a tweet on 15 February questioned why the case had not been “sent to CBI despite Governor asking for it”.

‘Independence of Judiciary Compromised’

An angry Justice (retd) R S Sodhi, a former Delhi High Court judge, said: “The independence of the judiciary has been compromised. Accountability of the judiciary and its transparency must be ushered in without delay and the suicide of the former Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister must be probed by the CBI.”

ADVERTISEMENTREMOVE AD

‘Exercising Restraint a Must’

Nalin Kohli, BJP spokesperson and Supreme Court advocate told The Quint, “In any such sensational disclosure, the critical aspect relates to the evidentiary value of the allegations, without which they are merely accusations and speculations. Mere names in a diary or a paper or any other document cannot stand the scrutiny of law.”

He further added:

This has been repeatedly affirmed by various courts over several decades. In the absence of indisputable evidence which will withstand the scrutiny of law, exercising restraint is a must. This is especially true while dealing with people in high offices, public life or institutions.

Ex-Guv Rajkhowa Demands ‘Independent Investigation’

Former Arunachal Pradesh Governor Jyoti Prasad Rajkhowa said, “It was a bold and factual report. (Kalikho) Pul tried to expose corruption at high places. A very thorough and independent investigation by a central agency, preferably the CBI, should be immediately instituted. And most definitely, the judiciary must be made accountable and more transparent than what it now is.

“If the judiciary has become what The Quint’s report reveals, then what will happen to the common man? Who will the common man approach to seek justice?” Rajkhowa asked.

Also watch:

(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)

Read Latest News and Breaking News at The Quint, browse for more from news and politics

Topics:  Suicide   Kalikho Pul 

Published: 
Speaking truth to power requires allies like you.
Become a Member
3 months
12 months
12 months
Check Member Benefits
Read More
×
×