In any case, the connecti0ns between the Mall and commercial complex developers need to be thoroughly probed, particularly to see how and to what extent they funded the activities and acquistion of assets of the Sabharwo::. The acquisition of the entire assets of the Sabharwals needs to be thoroughly examined to see whether their acquisition can be legitimately explained. And the allotment of all the several plots to the companies or relatives of Justice Sabharwal needs to be investigated to see if undue favour was shown to them and if so whether there was any quid pro quo in terms of judicial orders.
We are conscious of and acknowlege the fact that Justice Sabharwal was a very competent judge, who during his tenure as a judge, issued some very exemplary orders on many is~ues. But that ca'lIlot absolve him from the misconduct highlighted above.
The facts thrown up in this· case have very disturbing implications about the integrity of our judiciary in the highest places. It is bound to shake public confidence. Only a thorough investigation with full transparency will satisfy the pllblic conscience. We call upon all the authorities including the government and the judiciary to ensure that a transparent, thorough and credible investigation into all the above aspects takes place and the full facts are placed before the people of this country.
This case also underlines the need for a National Judicial Commission (which is independent of the executive and the judiciary) with an investigative machinery under its control, which can investigate complaints against judges and take disciplinary action and initiate criminal action against them. The Campaign for Judicial Accountability and Reforms calls upon all sections of society to put pressure on Parliament and the government to bring a suitable Constitutional Amendment Bill for this purpose.
