Political Storm Over Impeachment Move Against Madras High Court Judge

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya has accused the DMK and Congress of unconstitutional impeachment efforts against Madras High Court Judge G R Swaminathan. The move, initiated by DMK MPs, follows the judge's directive on temple practices sparking political debate. Surya claims the attempt attacks judicial impartiality, linking it to historical Congress actions.

BJP MP Tejasvi Surya has voiced staunch opposition to efforts led by the DMK and Congress to impeach Madras High Court Judge G R Swaminathan, alleging the move is an "unconstitutional weaponisation of impeachment." The controversy arises after several Opposition MPs submitted a notice aiming to remove the judge.

Raising the matter during Zero Hour in the Lok Sabha, Surya contended that this action represents an assault on judicial independence and impartiality. He accused the Opposition of harboring "anti-Hindu sentiments," suggesting that these motivations underpinned their impeachment notice against Judge Swaminathan.

The tension stems from a directive by Justice Swaminathan instructing temple authorities in Madurai's Thirupparankundram to light a lamp at the Deepathoon, a spot close to a dargah, which ignited political discourse in Tamil Nadu. Surya further implied parallels to past Congress measures undermining judicial independence, urging Speaker Om Birla to reject this precedent.

(With inputs from agencies.)