Press Council of India Chairman Justice Markandey Katju has alleged that three Ex-Chief Justices of India had compromised in giving extension to an additional judge of Madras High court at the instance of UPA government.

Justice Katju said that former CJIs – Justices R C Lahoti, Y K Sabharwal and K G Balakrishnan – had made imroper compromises in allowing the judge, against whom there were several allegations of corruption, to continue in office.

Speaking on the issue, CPI on Monday said that former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Congress should explain the charges levelled by Justice Katju .

Talking to reporters, senior party leader D Raja said Katju recent allegations once again highlight the need for creation of a National Judicial Commission to ensure judicial accountability and check corruption in the institution.

Congress dismissed Katju's allegations as an unnecessary controversy that doesn't deserve any inquiry. Party leader Rajiv Shukla called it an attempt to defame the judiciary. He criticized Katju for raising the issue after more than a decade.

BSP chief Mayawati has said, the allegation by Press Council of India chairman and former Supreme Court judge Markandey Katju that corruption in judiciary should be investigated.

Speaking to reporters outside Parliament House on Monday, she said Katju's allegation is of serious nature and it warrants a probe. Mayawati, however, said that her party believes that judiciary should be kept away from politics.

Speaking over the issue, Janta Dal (United) chief Sharad Yadav said it is a well known fact. He said people are facing the brunt of deterioration of institutions countrywide. Asked if he favours a probe into the allegation, he said it is a matter of the judiciary and the Chief Justice of India will look into it.

Meanwhile Abhishek Manu Singhvi said political parties should exercise restraint in matters relating to judiciary and its collegium.

He said it won't be appropriate to comment till all the persons referred to by Katju in his allegations make their clarificatory statements on the issue.