New Delhi, October 28
A decision has been taken to close the case against Punjab and Haryana High Court Judge Nirmal Yadav in the cash-at-doorstep scam.

Law Minister M Veerappa Moily told The Tribune today that his understanding was that the matter was treated as closed before he assumed office on May 29.

The decision was apparently taken on the advice of the then Attorney-General, Milon K Banerjee, he said. He, however, clarified that his ministry was never in the picture in the case, at least after he took over. Such matters were handled by the Chief Justice of India and the Law Ministry got involved only after receiving a communication from the CJI in cases requiring impeachment.

Justice Yadav was asked to go on leave following delivery of Rs 15 lakh in cash at the residence of Justice Nirmaljit Kaur on August 13 last year. It was then alleged that the money was actually meant for Justice Yadav, but was delivered at the residence of Justice Kaur because of some similarity in the name.

The case came to light following an FIR registered by Justice Kaur. Subsequently, Chief Justice of India KG Balakrishnan sought explanations from Justice Yadav, who wrote at least three letters, pleading her innocence. She had also sought several documents based on which the CJI had sought her response. In his January 29 letter to Justice Yadav, the CJI maintained that all documents she had sought had been supplied.