Justice Verma attacks former CJI

"See the somersault. (Y.K.) Sabharwal was not considered fit for NHRC chairmanship. Now Balakrishnan is holding the post. The nature of allegations against Sabharwal was much the same," Justice Verma said at a seminar on Judicial Conduct and Accountability Bill.

He said both of them were facing identical allegations that their kith and kin made assets during their tenure as CJI and in such cases rule of law has the answer that "if the material on record are sufficient to give rise to suspicion why can an FIR not be filed against them".

Justice Verma said the allegations of corruption against the former CJIs have brought the entire institution under suspicion.

"Unless the few persons, facing allegations, are cleared or are punished, if proved guilty, the entire community would be questioned," he said.

Justice Balakrishnan has been facing criticism over allegations that members of his family have amassed wealth disproportionate to their known sources of income while he was the CJI.