Sunil Arora, former CMD of Indian Airlines, has made the startling allegation that a retired Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court was allegedly paid Rs 9 cr by a litigant when this judge was with the Delhi High Court, during a conversation with corporate lobbyist Niira Radia recorded by enforcement authorities. The transcript, with the name of the judge clearly audible, is easily available, but so far no enquiries have been instituted.

Arora tells Radia, “He had paid nine crore… As he claimed… (He) had told me that he will get this judgement after one month… And he told how much he had paid to whom…”

“I said tum yaar majak kar rahe ho (you are joking). He said main aapko bata raha hoon ki judgement (I am telling you the verdict),” adds Arora, who then goes on to allege, “I mean this litigant had paid nine crore to that high court judge in Delhi.” He then says, “Jisne judgement diya, he became CJ. Abhi retire hua hai, [name withheld], naam bhi bata deta hun (The man who gave the judgement became CJ. I am even giving you the judge’s name….” Describing the judge as Sabharwal’s “khas aadmi”, Arora guffaws and adds, “Ab toh woh CJ banke retire bhi ho gaya hai (Now he has even got retired).”