QUEBEC — Former Supreme Court justice Michel Bastarache has opened hearings in Quebec City that will examine allegations of cronyism in the appointment of Quebec judges.

Premier Jean Charest called the inquiry after headline-grabbing accusations were made by his former justice minister Marc Bellemare.

The ex-minister claimed he was pressured to appoint judges favoured by Liberal party fundraisers in 2003 and 2004.

He said he complained to Charest and was ignored; the premier has responded by suing his old minister for defamation.

In his opening statement Monday, Bastarache said his commission would be totally independent and would take on its task with an open mind.

He also said he would not be limited to allegations made by Bellemare.

Premier Charest, the Liberal party, and the Parti Quebecois have all asked to take part in the hearings, but Bellemare himself has not yet expressed interest.

The inquiry boss expressed surprise at a request by the PQ to have two representatives participate in the hearings; one would represent the party and another its parliamentary wing.

Bastarache made clear he wasn't interested in becoming embroiled in a partisan battle.

"Commission hearings aren't political forums," Bastarache said. "We don't want to politicize the commission work."

Meanwhile, Bellemare told a television network that he questioned the impartiality of the judge overseeing the hearings because his law firm receives significant contracts from the provincial government.