Former Chief Justice of India, Justice JS Verma.
The pressure is mounting on former Chief Justice of India (CJI) KG Balakrishnan. After Income Tax authorities probing charges of illegal wealth against his three close relatives said they have found black money, Balakrishnan's peers say they are disappointed and that he must clear his name.
"Since all these close relations of Balakrishnan are those who are in the legal profession and they have become suddenly rich during his tenure as CJI, there's a needle of suspicion that is being pointed at him. He needs to clear his name; silence is no longer an option," said Justice J S Verma, former Chief Justice of India.
There are growing voices for Balakrishnan to face an inquiry and quit as head of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).
"I think he should resign. I have long ago asked for a Commission of inquiry against him and his family members and his resignation," said Justice V R Krishna Iyer, former judge of the Supreme Court.
According to sources in the Income tax department, the ex-CJI's first son-in-law, PV Sreenijan's income grew to Rs 7 crore from a meagre Rs 25,000 he declared in 2006.
MJ Benny, the second son-in-law, has prime property worth crores in Ernakulam. And Balakrishnan's brother K G Bhaskaran has allegedly undervalued the land he bought.
Income tax authorities refused to say whether the ex-Chief Justice of India will be questioned.