Opposition MPs Move to Remove Judge Over Bias Allegations in Temple Row
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A rare impeachment attempt has been made against Madras High Court Judge Justice GR Swaminathan by at least 108 lawmakers from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA). The move comes after the judge's December 1 judgment allowed the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam atop the Thiruparankundram hills in Madurai, despite concerns over the site's interfaith sensitivity. The lawmakers have accused Justice Swaminathan of showing bias in his order, which they claim was made to polarize society ahead of next year's assembly elections in Tamil Nadu. They have also alleged that the judge extended undue favoritism to a petitioner and decided cases based on a particular political ideology. The impeachment notice was submitted by DMK parliamentary party leader K Kanimozhi, accompanied by Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Samajwadi Party leader Akhilesh Yadav, and other opposition leaders. The notice seeks the removal of Justice Swaminathan under Article 217 read with 124 of the Constitution of India. Meanwhile, Justice Swaminathan has summoned the chief secretary and additional director general of police to appear before the court next week, after a devotee filed a contempt petition alleging that the state had repeatedly defied his order to light the lamp at the Deepathoon. The judge has expressed concerns over a systemic issue, citing two recent incidents where district authorities had failed to comply with his directions to protect Hindu religious practices. He has decided to hear the state's top officials and may seek inputs from the Union home secretary if he remains dissatisfied. The next steps will depend on the speaker's decision, which will involve examining the motion's admissibility and potentially forming a statutory inquiry committee. If the committee upholds the charges, the motion will proceed to both houses of Parliament, where it will require a two-thirds majority to be sent to the President for final approval.
