Amit Shah Criticises Impeachment Move Against Judge
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has strongly criticised the INDIA bloc’s move to initiate impeachment proceedings against Justice G.R. Swaminathan of the Madras High Court. Over 100 opposition MPs submitted a notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, requesting action against the judge.
Shah Calls Move “Unprecedented”
Speaking in Lok Sabha, Shah said it was the first time since independence that an impeachment attempt was being made based on a judicial order. He accused the opposition of targeting the judiciary for political reasons and claimed the step reflected “appeasement politics”. Shah also expressed surprise that some INDIA bloc partners supported the petition.
Background to the Dispute
Justice Swaminathan’s recent order on the Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam dispute in Tamil Nadu triggered the controversy. The judge directed that a traditional lamp be lit on a stone pillar near both a temple and a dargah, a decision that drew backlash from several political parties.
Opposition Defends Its Stand
Opposition MPs, including members of the DMK, argued that the judge had displayed religious bias, which they believed warranted parliamentary scrutiny. BJP leaders countered that the impeachment notice was an attack on the independence of the judiciary.
What Happens Next
Under constitutional procedure, the Speaker must review the notice before deciding whether to admit the impeachment motion. Judicial impeachments in India are extremely rare and involve a lengthy parliamentary process.
