Chief Justice of the Madras high court M. Y. Eqbal on Thursday warned subordinate judicial officers in Tamil Nadu that complaints of corruption would be viewed seriously and drastic action taken against them.
The Chief Justice said there were about 500 petitions under scrutiny of the high court as against 900 judicial officers working now. “On all complaints we are not taking drastic action of suspension or removal from service, but we will be keeping tabs on all petitions received. If we receive petitions continuously, we will be compelled to take the drastic action of suspending the judicial officer. All of you would have come across the news of district judge at Ramanathapuram suspended over allegation of corruption,“ he pointed out.
After administering the oath of office to the newly appointed 167 civil judges, Chief Justice Eqbal said the judiciary was the last resort of the common man, and every one looks upon a jud icial officer with utmost respect and reverence.. “If anybody raises a little finger against any judicial officer making allegation of corruption or favoritism, then it is better to quit the job and can resume practice again instead of continuing as judicial officer. I have to say these harsh words because nowadays the common opinion of the general public is not appreciative. Judicial officers also are equally blamed along with any other government servants,“ he added.
Justice Eqbal said for the judiciary there was a vigilance wing working directly under the control of the chief justice. All petitions were considered by the vigilance officers and the committee of judges as well as by him.