Following the impeachment proceedings that were moved against him by 61 MPs in the Rajya Sabha, Justice C V Nagarjuna Reddy from the Hyderabad High Court, is reportedly planning to put his official duties on hold.
According to a report in The New Indian Express, Reddy wrote letters to the Chief Justice of India, Acting Chief Justice of Hyderabad High Court and the state Governor requesting them to allow him to go on leave from Wednesday till the issue reaches its conclusion.
The TNIE report also quotes sources and states that the judge sought permission to go on leave voluntarily, expressing faith in the judiciary.
On Monday, over 60 Rajya Sabha MPs gave an impeachment notice to the Chairman against Reddy for alleged misconduct and using derogatory language against a Dalit colleague.
"Over 60 MPs have signed the notice, which has been given to the Rajya Sabha Chairman. The matter could be taken up in the next few days," informed sources told IANS.
"The judge used derogatory language against his colleague, who belongs to the Dalit community," he added.
The Hindu, quotes the petition as saying, "There is an allegation made by a Mr. Rama Krishna, formerly principal junior civil judge, Rayachoty, Kadapa district (Andhra), currently under suspension, that he was forced by Justice CV Nagarjuna Reddy to remove the name of a Mr Pavan Kumar Reddy, who happens to be the brother of Justice Reddy, from a dying declaration that was recorded by Rama Krishna when he was posted as magistrate at Rayachoty. Pavan Kumar Reddy is also the additional public prosecutor of Rayachoty courts."
According to reports, Rama Krishna recorded a dying declaration of a victim of a red sanders smuggling case, who just before his death went on record to state that he was set on fire by Pavankumar Reddy, who allegedly doused kerosene on him for refusing to sign on a blank paper.
The allegation is that Pavan Kumar was trying to cover up by making someone own up for the theft of a Tavera car that was seized with illegal red sanders wood.
It is further alleged that Pavan could operate with such impunity in the area, as his brother held a high judicial post.
IANS inputs