A major political and judicial controversy has erupted after MPs from the DMK-led INDIA bloc submitted an impeachment notice against Madras High Court judge Justice G.R. Swaminathan. This step—rare in India—comes amid escalating tensions over the Thirupparankundram Karthigai Deepam case and other sensitive matters.
Under the Constitution, an impeachment motion can be initiated with the signatures of 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs. Though provisions exist, no judge in India has ever been impeached successfully.
Justice Swaminathan had recently permitted the lighting of the Karthigai Deepam at the hilltop Deepam Pillar under CISF protection, despite objections from the Tamil Nadu government, the temple administration, and the nearby Dargah management. The State did not implement the order, prompting a contempt petition.
On December 9, over 107–120 MPs, including Kanimozhi, T.R. Baalu, Priyanka Gandhi, Akhilesh Yadav, Owaisi, and others, submitted an impeachment notice to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla under Articles 217 and 124.
Former BJP State President Annamalai strongly criticized the move, stating:
“This is not about the Deepam issue alone. DMK fears that judges like Justice GR Swaminathan and Justice Anand Venkatesh are obstacles to corruption and disproportionate assets cases involving DMK ministers. Impeachment is being used as a political threat.”
He further asked:
“If the Supreme Court has not found fault, why rush to impeachment? Is this an attempt to intimidate the judiciary?”
Annamalai also alleged that the impeachment motion is being used as a shield to protect officials who ignored the High Court’s orders in the Deepam case.
This development has triggered a nationwide debate on judicial independence, political pressure, and constitutional processes, with all eyes now on how Parliament and the higher judiciary will respond.
