REFUGEE

BANGALORE: State Advocate General Ashok Harnahallli has said that if there is even prima facie evidence of irregularity as per the Tamil Nadu

government report on Karnataka CJ Dinakaran, it would create crisis of confidence in the judiciary.

"Even if there is prima facie satisfaction, I would be able to say that the Chief Justice step down. But as advocate general it would not be right on my part to do so until that satisfaction is expressed by the CJI and Supreme Court Collegium," Harnahalli told TOI when asked whether Dinakaran should step down in the light of the report.

The AG said: "We would now like the CJI to come to a decision as expeditiously as possible. We would like that the CJI either clear Dinakaran of all charges or identify the alleged irregularities. Any delay will impact proper judicial functioning."

Asked how the highest judicial authority in the state was continuing with hearing despite being "under a cloud", Harnahalli said: "That is why we would like the CJI to act quickly. Continuous exposure of the judiciary to public scrutiny is not good for its functioning."

What would be a quick solution to problems involving the highest judicial authority? "The Supreme Court has to develop an in-house mechanism to inquire into and decide on such alleged irregularities. The lack of such a mechanism is bringing judiciary into question. That also explains the media's interest in the matter. As the fourth estate, it will go on asking questions until and unless court has its own mechanism where it can resolve such issues quickly."

The Supreme Court Collegium has reportedly decided to put on hold the elevation of Dinakaran as judge of the Supreme Court following the report sent by the Tamil Nadu government that he had allegedly encroached upon a large extent of government land.