Hazare campaign did me in, says impeached judge Sen

Justice Soumitra Sen, of the Calcutta high court, a motion for whose impeachment for corruption was passed by the Rajya Sabha this week, said on Friday that the mass outrage against corruption ensured that his trial was not quite fair.

''Anna Hazare is leading a crusade against corruption in high places. At this juncture, the government, and also the opposition, had to show that something was being done and I became a victim,'' Sen told The Telegraph of Kolkata in an interview.

He further said the present charged environment against corruption united the Rajya Sabha members. He also claimed that the entire judiciary was the actual target, and the motion in the Rajya Sabha was used for that purpose.

''My conduct as a (court appointed) receiver has been examined by the court ... the division bench has categorically held that there hasn't been any misappropriation. It is also worth noting that the parties entitled to the money never raised any issues as they got their money,'' he said in his defence.

He added that there was no question of him resigning; and he would now present his case Lok Sabha. ''I wish to fight for justice because at no point of time did I misappropriate any money,'' he said.

He said if the Lok Sabha too impeached him, under the law he has the option of seeking a judicial review.