Markandey Katju's allegation a blatant lie: M Karunanidhi

Dravida Munnettra Kazhagam (DMK) chief M Karunanidhi on Friday dismissed as a blatant lie the allegation of Press Council of India Chairman Markandey Katju that his party had pressured the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) regime over the appointment of an Additional Judge of Madras High Court.

"It is a blatant lie," Karunanidhi told reporters when his reaction was sought to Katju's allegations who is here on a visit to the city to participate in some private functions.

Katju, a former Supreme Court Judge, has alleged that three ex-Chief Justices of India -- Justice R C Lahoti and his successors Justices YK Sabharwal and KG Balakrishnan -- made "improper compromises" and "succumbed" to political pressure in the extension of additional judge at the instance of UPA-I government owing to pressure from an ally, a "Tamil Nadu party", and his confirmation as permanent judge.

Earlier, Karunanidhi had accused Katju of acting under "indirect pressure" and the DMK later shot off a letter to the Vice-President and Supreme Court Chief Justice, seeking Katju's removal for his "continuous outbursts and temperamental behaviour".

"DMK is submitting this representation to bring to your notice the various omissions and commissions of Markandey Katju, which amounts to misconduct and proven misbehaviour and therefore seeking removal from said post," the letter, which was also sent to the Union Ministers of Law and Justice and Information and Broadcasting, had said.

"Katju has belittled the post due to his continuous outbursts and temperamental behaviour, which is not expected from a person holding the public office," the letter sent by DMK Legal Wing Secretary R S Bharathi had said.