The Supreme Court today asked the competent authority of the Centre to look into the allegation of judicial misconduct against the NHRC Chairman and former Chief Justice of India, CJI, K G Balakrishnan during his tenure as a judge in the apex court.

SC however refused to direct Centre for presidential reference against Balakrishnan saying it needs to be decided by the President on advice of Council of Ministers.

A bench of justices B S Chauhan and J S Khehar said if there is any truth in the allegations, then it is for the President to make reference to the Supreme Court, on the advice of Council of Ministers, for inquiry against the former CJI.

The court passed the order on a PIL by civil society which had sought directions from the court to the government to make a Presidential reference to the apex court for removal of former CJI Balakrishnan as the chairman of National Human Rights Commission (NHRC).

The NGO had alleged that the ex-CJI and his relatives amassed wealth far exceeding their legal income during Balakrishnan's tenure as an apex court judge.

The court had reserved its verdict on the NGO's plea on May 7.