A cloud of controversy swept through the Madras High Court this week, prompting a sitting judge to step away from a case amid explosive allegations involving a senior advocate and a purported ₹50 lakh bribe.
The matter arose during proceedings in a criminal revision and a connected plea seeking to quash a case registered by the Central Bureau of Investigation. Before the court could proceed further, a communication reached the Registry from the Union Ministry of Law and Justice. Enclosed was a representation by the All India Lawyers’ Association for Justice, alleging serious impropriety.
The representation claimed that a senior advocate had collected ₹50,00,000 from a client, allegedly assuring that the money would be passed on to the presiding judge in exchange for a favourable order. It further alleged that despite the payment, no order had been delivered in the case so far.
Faced with the gravity of these claims, Justice M. Nirmal Kumar recused himself. In his order, he observed that the specific allegations warranted scrutiny and directed that the issue be referred to the High Court’s Vigilance Cell. He also directed that the case papers be placed before the Chief Justice for assignment to an appropriate Bench and for necessary directions regarding an inquiry.
The senior advocate named in the complaint, N Murali Kumaran, rejected the allegations outright. He stated that he was prepared to cooperate fully with any investigation to clear his name.
During the hearing, Special Public Prosecutor K Srinivasan submitted that such accusations, if unfounded, strike at the very dignity of the institution. He urged that firm action be taken to identify and proceed against those responsible for what he described as a potentially false complaint.
For now, the case moves to a different Bench, while the Vigilance Cell prepares to examine claims that have stirred unease in one of the country’s oldest constitutional courts.
