Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Babulal Gaur on Thursday said 22 judges have been dismissed on the recommendation of the hight court for alleged corruption and irregularities.

"In an unprecedented step, we have dismissed the services of 22 judges for alleged corruption as part of the vigorous drive to wipe out the evil. For the first time so many judges were dismissed at one go in the state," Gaur told PTI in an interview.

"I have made it clear that corruption will not be tolerated at any cost. No body indulging in financial irregularities will be spared and similar offensive is being mounted on corruption in various government departments," he said.

All the departments have been directed to identify officials and employees indulging in corrupt practices and irregularities by thorough scrutiny of their records and prepare their lists to ensure quick action against them, Gaur said.

Vowing to provide a corruption-free administration, he alleged the previous Congress government of Digvijay Singh had 'put in cold storage' similar recommendation,  but 'we have taken prompt steps to implement it'.

The recommendation was made after the high court judges thoroughly scrutinised the service records of judges above 50 years and who have completed 20 years in service.

Gaur said anti-corruption agencies including the Lokayukta are being strengthened, modernised and properly equipped to make the fight against the menace effective.