CHENNAI: In a rare admission, the Madras high court has said even the judiciary is not exempt from the clutches of corruption and that corrupt judicial officers and public servants should be declared anti-nationals.Justice SM Subramaniam, in scathing remarks on Thursday, observed that corruption in the judiciary was the greatest enemy of the Constitution and that the judiciary must also initiate drastic measures to control corruption in various forms. Noting that bribing public authorities starts right from the child in the mother's womb, the judge said officials had to be bribed even for getting the benefits of government welfare schemes."They are anti-nationals because they are obstructing the development of this great nation. Terrorists are declared as anti-social elements. Thus, persons corrupt and acting against the developmental activities of our nation are also to be declared as anti-nationals. These anti-nationals do not care about the development of this country but are only interested in their self-development," Justice Subramaniam said."It is painful and unfortunate to state that sexual favours are demanded in lieu of bribe in educational institutions and public offices and what else can be worse than this in public administration," Justice Subramaniam said.The worst form of corruption was happening at burial grounds and we people tolerate even that. Unless public servants at burial grounds maintained by the state or local bodies are bribed, the dead body will not get an appropriate timing for burial. The right to decent burial is also denied, the judge added.Coming down heavily on poll-related corruption, the judge said, "these representatives of the people are not only accountable but also responsible for enactment of laws. If they indulge in such corrupt activities like bribing voters, the very foundation of democratic principles is shaken."The court made the observations while dismissing a plea moved by P Saravanan, a village administrative officer (VAO), who was suspended from service on allegations of corruption. Saravanan wanted the court to quash his suspension and direct the authorities to reinstate him in service.

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