Impeachment and In-House Inquiry for Judges:
INDIA bloc Members of Parliament (MPs) intend to submit an impeachment motion in Parliament against Justice G.R. Swaminathan of the Madurai Bench of the Madras High Court.The move follows his order directing the Subramaniya Swamy Temple authorities to ensure the lighting of a lamp at the deepathoon (pillar) near a dargah during the Karthigai Deepam festival.Though the term “impeachment” is not explicitly used in the Constitution, it refers to the formal process of removing a Supreme Court or High Court judge for proved misbehaviour or incapacity, aimed at ensuring judicial accountability without political interference.Articles 124(4) of the Constitution of India, along with the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, provide the framework for removing judges of the Supreme Court. Article 218 extends these provisions to High Court judges. Judges can only be removed for Proved misbehaviour (serious ethical or professional misconduct) and incapacity (Inability to discharge duties due to physical or mental reasons).
