In an exclusive interview with THE WEEK, Justice (retired) C.S. Karnan says his fight against corrupt judges will go on, and he will get justice—if not today, tomorrow. Excerpts:
Why were you hiding and not facing the law?
I was not hiding. A legal process was still on against my conviction. [My] mercy petition also is lying with the President of India.
But the Supreme Court wants you behind bars.
That was wrong on the part of the Supreme Court....
Do you maintain your view on the judges whom you called corrupt?
Yes, my view is unchanged.
Are you depressed?
Not at all. I am in good shape. I am eating and doing all jobs.
How did you spend your days while hiding?
I was reading every day.
What were you reading?
I was reading every bit of IPC [Indian Penal Code] and CrPC [Criminal Procedure Code]. Also, I was reading legal documents. I am trying to understand more on the issue.
Are you hopeful that you will get a reprieve?
Yes. My counsel and friends are working hard to convince the government to protect me. I think something would be worked out. The matter will go to Parliament one day. Also, I am hopeful that the president will accept my plea.
How do you say this?
Wait. It will become a historic development in the history of judiciary.
But the Supreme Court said your petition could be heard by the same bench that convicted you.
They are wrong. I was sentenced without any trial.
What would you do now?
First, I will secure bail or suspension of the order, and then I would continue with my fight against corrupt judges. I am not against the court, but some corrupt judges.
What about your plea for presidential clemency?
I have learnt that it is pending with the home ministry. People are seeing how a dalit judge got such a raw deal.
What will you do after the term of your sentence is over?
Same thing I did in the past, but a little differently. I will work as a social activist and expose corrupt judges. I know I would not have the status of a sitting judge anymore.
Are you happy that you were not arrested as a judge?
Yes, I am. They tried so much but they could not. I gave up my security and took a break. The break will continue for some time, and again there will be work for the nation.
