The Union Home Ministry has asked the Department of Revenue to probe the allegations of disproportionate assets against the former Chief Justice of India, K.G. Balakrishnan, now the chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission.
In a letter to the Revenue Secretary, the Ministry said the Central Board of Direct Taxes, the Revenue Department's investigative arm, could conduct an inquiry.
A Ministry spokesperson said on Wednesday that a petition was submitted to Home Minister P. Chidambaram by some persons, including leading lawyers. It contained allegations of under-reporting of income against Mr. Balakrishnan and his relatives.
“The petition has been forwarded to the Revenue Secretary for inquiry and necessary action.”
The petition alleged that Mr. Balakrishnan had acquired assets disproportionate to known sources of his income, and some of them were purchased in the name of his close relatives.
Mr. Balakrishnan has refused to comment on the allegations.
The petition listed the incomes and assets of Mr. Balakrishnan and his relatives, enclosing documents in respect of the purchase of some of them.
