Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Nov 24: Outgoing Chief Justice of India B R Gavai made a startling revelation on Sunday, disclosing that a former High Court Chief Justice had attempted to influence a judicial member of the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT), Chennai, to secure a favourable order for a corporate entity.

CJI Gavai said he had sought a detailed report from NCLAT judicial member Justice Sharad Kumar Sharma, who had shocked the courtroom on August 13 by stating that “one of the most revered members of the higher judiciary” had approached him regarding a case. Justice Sharma later recused himself and submitted a report to the CJI.

By the time the report was received, the High Court Chief Justice in question had already retired, making it impossible to initiate a formal in-house inquiry, the CJI explained. He added that shortly after internal deliberations began on the matter, Justice Surya Kant was appointed as the next Chief Justice of India. CJI Gavai said he felt it appropriate to leave the next course of action to his successor.

Although the retired HC Chief Justice cannot face a full in-house inquiry—which could potentially lead to removal proceedings—he is not entirely beyond accountability. The new CJI can still recommend the registration of an FIR under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Earlier, on November 14, a bench of CJI-designate Justice Surya Kant and Justice Joymalya Bagchi told advocate Prashant Bhushan that any action must be initiated at the “highest administrative level” and not through judicial directions, stressing that the judiciary must safeguard its own integrity through established administrative mechanisms.

The matter remains under serious consideration as the Supreme Court weighs its next steps to prevent such interference in the future.