Conflict Of Interest In Ex-CJI's Sealing Order: Bhushan

New Delhi, Aug 3 (UNI) A former Chief Justice of India was today accused of having disregarded a conflict of interest involving his sons' mall business in ordering ''the process of sealing'' residential properties being used for commercial purposes.

The allegation was made at a news conference called by senior advocate Prashant Bhushan and addressed jointly by him and his father, former Law Minister Shanti Bhushan.

On February 16, 2006, when then CJI Yogesh Kumar Sabharwal passed ''the tough order setting in motion the sealing of commercial establishments,'' his sons Chetan Sabharwal and Nitin Sabharwal ''were well on their way to entering the business of malls,'' journalists were told.

Justice Sabharwal, who retired less than seven months ago, could not be reached immediately for comment.

At the news conference, Shanti Bhushan used expressions like ''technically... may be right'' ''legitimate'' or ''rule of law,'' when asked if anything was wrong with the orders to seal unauthorised commercial use of homes.

He asserted there were two ways to deal with the matter: order sealing of residential premises put to commercial use or order the authorities to alter the master plan and change the land use of areas long used for commercial activity.

But the alternative he suggested-- a device used by politicians from time to time-- has been widely criticised by residents whose representatives say having shops or offices in the midst of homes poses serious hazards and inconveniences.

More to the point, the Bhushans charged ''serious conflict of interest'' in a judicial order when the Judge's kin stand to make business gains from it.

From a smalltime export-import business in 2004, the Sabharwals ''in just two years,'' got into the business of developing commercial complexes and ''appear to be rolling in money,'' a statement released at the news conference said.

The Sabharwal sons in March 2007 purchased an 1,150 square yard bungalow in a South Delhi neighbourhood for ''a stated consideration'' of Rs 16 crores, the statement said.

UNI