DMK Plans To Move Impeachment Motion Against Madras HC Judge Amid Deepan Lamp Row

INDIA bloc MPs are planning to move an impeachment motion against Justice G.R. Swaminathan of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court in the context of his order directing the authorities of the Subramaniya Swamy Temple at Thirupparankundram to ensure that the Karthigai Deepam was lit at the deepathoon (pillar) near a dargah atop the hill.

“We are collecting the signatures of the INDIA bloc MPs, and will submit them to Parliament tomorrow,” CPI(M) MP from Madurai  Su.  Venkatesan claimed. One hundred members of the Lok Sabha or 50 members of the Rajya Sabha have to sign an impeachment motion against a High Court judge.

If the motion is accepted, a three-member committee will investigate it. Thereafter, both Houses must pass the motion by a special majority (two-thirds present and voting, plus absolute majority of total membership). Finally, the President will issue the removal order. However, no judge has been successfully impeached in India. The DMK, which is coordinating the petition, will file it in a day or two in the Lok Sabha.