Beijing, Sep 29 (IANS): Former vice president of the Supreme People's Court has been expelled from the Communist Party of China (CPC) and removed from public office for graft and breach of party disciplie.

Judge Xi has been put under investigation by prosecutors, the Supreme People's Procuratorate (SPP) announced. He was ordered to refund the money he took as bribes.

The SPP said Xi has also been placed under "coercive measures," which might include summons by force, bail, residential surveillance, detention and arrest.

With the approval of the CPC Central Committee, the Central Commission for Discipline Inspection (CCDI) launched an investigation into Xi and found he had "seriously breached discipline rules," the CCDI said in a statement on Tuesday.

The CCDI also accused Xi of seeking profits for family members who run businesses, using resources endowed by his position and of attending business receptions in violation of the CPC's frugality rules.

According to the statement, Xi breached "political discipline rules and the political code of conduct," defying the country's efforts to strengthen rule of law, China.org reported.

Xi also violated the party's organisational discipline rules by being "disloyal and dishonest" to the party and concealing "personal matters" that he was supposed to report.