http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Judge-rubbed-his-shoes-against-me-says-Justice-Karnan/articleshow/10599463.cms
Judge rubbed his shoes against me, says Justice Karnan
A Subramani, TNN | Nov 4, 2011, 01.38AM IST
CHENNAI: Justice C S Karnan of the Madras high court, who alleged
humiliation by fellow judges on November 2 (first reported in TOI), on
Thursday said other dalit judges, too, are targeted and their
reputation tarnished whenever they assert their self-respect. He added
that "more than four or five high court judges" have humiliated him on
the basis of his caste and that the National Commission for Scheduled
Castes may look into his complaint.
Addressing a crowded press conference in his chambers two days after
TOI reported the details of his plea, the judge said he has faced
humiliation and embarrassment since April 2009 and it still continues.
"Some judges are very narrow-minded; they seek to dominate dalit
judges," Karnan said.
He said he did not rake up the issue all these months as he wanted to
safeguard the dignity of the institution. "I was forced to approach
the national forum for SCs only after the atrocities crossed tolerable
limits," he said, adding that several other dalit judges in the
subordinate judiciary too face similar ordeal. "It's a black mark on
Indian judiciary," he said.
Justice Karnan claimed that after the National Commission for
Scheduled Castes forwarded a copy of his complaint against fellow
judges to the Chief Justice of India, he has permitted the panel
chairman to hold an inquiry into his allegations.
Asked why he rushed to the forum instead of taking it up with the
chief justice of the Madras high court, Karnan said: "The National
Commission for SCs is the watchdog for all dalits, including dalit
judges, in the country. It is the competent and appropriate body to
safeguard the interests of dalits." Justice Karnan reiterated that a
judge deliberately rubbed his shoes against him and then trampled a
card carrying his (Justice Karnan) name at a function, and said he
would reveal the identity of the judge at the time of inquiry. "The
judge, sitting cross-legged next to me, touched me with his shoes
deliberately and then said sorry. Two other judges were watching it
smiling," he said. Justice Karnan claimed that he was discriminated
against on basis of caste at several get-togethers such as full court
meeting, high tea and dinner. "It's a chain of occurrences, and not
once or twice," he said.
On rumours about his transfer, Justice Karnan asked what was the need
to do so. "I have given the highest disposal, and all my decisions
have been upheld by the higher judicial forum".
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