Andhra Pradesh sitting judge "indicted" in preliminary report, yet no further process undertaken to proceed against him

Counterview Desk
Text of the letter dated 27th July 2017 by prominent advocate, Supreme Court, Prashant Bhushan, as convenor of the Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms (CJAR) to the Chief Justice of India:
On 30th August, 2016, the Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms (CJAR) had sent a representation to the former Chief Justice of India, Justice TS Thakur, against Justice CV Nagarjuna Reddy, sitting Judge of the Andhra Pradesh High Court, seeking initiation of in-house inquiry into the allegations in the representation. The allegations involved abuse of office, particularly nepotism and physical assault against a dalit junior civil judge and interference in the course of judicial process.
Thereafter Chief Justice Thakur had appointed Justice Gogoi to scrutinise the case for his preliminary view. It has been reported that Justice Gogoi submitted his report, indicting Justice Nagarjuna Reddy and has suggested that a more thorough three member inquiry committee be put in place to enquire into these complaints. But we understand that such process has not been initiated.
Placing reliance on Justice Gogoi’s report and the allegations in CJAR’s complaint to the Chief Justice of India, CJAR believes that the next steps should depend on the severity of the indictment of Justice Reddy in Justice Gogoi’s report.

If the indictment in clear and categorical then Justice Nagarjuna Reddy should be asked to resign immediately, and if he does not, to seek his impeachment. This was done in the case of Justice Soumitra Sen of the Calcutta High Court, whose impeachment was recommended by Chief Justice KG Balakrishnan. However, if the indictment is not categorical and Justice Gogoi has asked for further enquiry through a three judges committee, then a three judges committee should be appointed.
The delay in processing the matter as well as the lack of transparency in it, is just fuelling suspicion that things are being brushed under the carpet. We would like to request for a copy of Justice Gogoi’s report, in the Justice Nagarjuna Reddy matter and would request to be kindly informed about steps that are being taken on this letter.

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