Madras High Court Judge Steps Down Over Serious Bribery Allegations
In a significant legal development, a **Madras High Court judge** has recently withdrawn from hearing a criminal case. This decision follows serious allegations that a senior advocate purportedly accepted Rs 50 lakh from a client, claiming the funds were intended to influence the judge's decision and secure a favorable court order. The judge has also referred this grave matter to the High Court's internal vigilance cell for a thorough investigation, marking a crucial step towards upholding judicial integrity.
Understanding the Core Allegation
The controversy revolves around a criminal revision petition and a criminal original petition filed by **N Ganesh Agarwal** and **Naresh Prasad Agarwal**. These legal challenges were brought against an order previously issued by the XII Additional Special Judge for CBI cases in Chennai.
During a court session on February 5, Justice M Nirmal Kumar brought to light a communication received by the court's registry. This message, originating from the Union Ministry of Law, included an official complaint from the **All India Lawyers' Association for Justice (AILAJ)**. The AILAJ's representation, directly addressed to Justice Nirmal Kumar, made a startling claim:
- A senior advocate allegedly collected Rs 50 lakh from a client.
- The advocate reportedly stated this substantial amount was for Justice Nirmal Kumar himself, linked to the very criminal petitions he was overseeing.
- Despite the alleged payment, no orders had been passed in the case.
The AILAJ urged the judge to either issue a suitable order benefiting the client or, alternatively, initiate appropriate action concerning the case.
Justice Nirmal Kumar's Decisive Action
Upon reviewing these serious submissions, Justice Nirmal Kumar took immediate and decisive action. He declared that, given the specific and weighty allegations presented by AILAJ, Chennai, it was imperative to refer the matter to the **vigilance cell** of the High Court. Consequently, he stated that his court would no longer be inclined to hear the ongoing case.
The judge further recommended that the entire issue be presented to the **Chief Justice of the High Court**. This step would ensure the case is reassigned to an appropriate bench and that clear directives are issued to the vigilance cell to conduct a comprehensive inquiry and implement necessary measures.
Reactions from Key Legal Parties
The court shared the AILAJ's communication with the involved parties, including **K Srinivasan**, the Special Public Prosecutor for CBI, and **Murali Kumaran**, the senior counsel representing the appellant, Gopinath Agarwal.
Mr. Kumaran strongly refuted the allegations, asserting that the claims within the representation were entirely false. He affirmed his full cooperation with any ensuing inquiry. Conversely, Mr. Srinivasan emphasized that such representations, if unfounded, should not be entertained as they severely damage the **dignity and reputation of the court**. He called for stern action to identify the individuals behind any false claims and to ensure they face appropriate legal consequences.
Key Players Involved in the Madras HC Bribery Claim
| Party | Role | Involvement |
|---|---|---|
| Justice M Nirmal Kumar | Madras High Court Judge | Recused from case, referred matter to vigilance. |
| N Ganesh Agarwal & Naresh Prasad Agarwal | Petitioners | Filed criminal revision/original petitions. |
| All India Lawyers' Association for Justice (AILAJ) | Complainant | Alleged senior advocate took Rs 50 lakh bribe. |
| K Srinivasan | Special Public Prosecutor for CBI | Argued against entertaining false representations. |
| Murali Kumaran | Senior Counsel for Appellant | Denied allegations, offered cooperation. |
What Happens Next: The Path Forward
The current developments highlight the judiciary's commitment to transparency and accountability. The next steps in this high-profile case are crucial:
- The matter will be placed before the **Chief Justice** of the Madras High Court.
- A new, appropriate bench will be assigned to hear the criminal petitions.
- The High Court's **vigilance cell** will launch a comprehensive investigation into the bribery allegations.
- Appropriate action will be taken based on the findings of the vigilance inquiry.
This incident underscores the importance of maintaining **judicial ethics** and ensuring public trust in the legal system. Further updates are expected as the vigilance probe progresses.
