CBI refused to give details about the complaints in response to an RTI query saying that the information related to a third person. Balakrishnan is currently National Human Rights Commission chairperson and has been in a controversy recently over declaration of assets and liabilities. There was increased pressure on him to declare his assets after his son-in-law faced allegations of having disproportionate assets.
RTI activist S C Agrawal had sought information related to complaints against retired judges of the Supreme Court and high courts including former CJIs Y K Sabharwal and Balakrishnan. Incidentally, both the law ministry’s department of justice and the Central Vigilance Commission have disclosed CBI’s closure report on a complaint against Sabharwal.
In response, the CBI CPIO said, "Two complaints against K G Balakrishnan, the then Chief Justice of India, have been received in this branch. After careful examination, one complaint was sent to JD (policy) CBI, New Delhi as per crime manual. Another complaint was examined at various levels and ordered to be filed as allegations are vague and unverifiable."
Rejecting the query for more details, the CPIO said, "Notings in the file are written in a fiduciary relationship and cannot be disclosed to a third party and exempted under section 8 of the RTI Act." Agrawal has filed an appeal in the case.