In what could have significant bearing on Justice Dinakaran’s chances of being on the Bench of the apex court, Thiruvallur district collector, V Palanikumar, sent a detailed report on the judge’s land holdings to the Supreme Court’s registrar-general, highly placed sources said. The “ discreet” inquiry was conducted at the instance of the Chief Justice of India.
The report was discussed at a meeting of the SC collegium that decides appointments to the higher judiciary in New Delhi on Saturday.
Sources said Palanikumar conducted a detailed study during a field visit alongside revenue officials before finalizing his confidential report. It was sent directly to the apex court without involving the state government. The district collector focussed on verifying the sketches and survey numbers mentioned in the original allegations.
The allegations were first made by a group of lawyers in Bangalore, that Justice Dinakaran held land in excess of the ceiling prescribed in land reform laws and had allegedly encroached on government land meant for various kinds of community use.
Though the matter at stake concerns whether Justice Dinakaran is going to make it to the apex court or not, the report submitted by the district collector, in response to a communication from the registrar of the SC, will also determine whether he continues in the judiciary at all.
