Archive · 18 Jun 2025
Analyzing and Improving the Removal Process of Higher Judiciary Judges
Imagine judges as important people in charge of making sure rules are followed in courts.
Sometimes, there are questions about whether a judge has done something wrong.
Right now, getting rid of a judge who has done something wrong can be a complicated process involving the Parliament, similar to how a President is removed.
This article suggests making it easier to remove judges who have been proven corrupt or have earned assets disproportionate to known sources of income.
The author suggests involving the Chief Justice and legal experts.
The idea is to ensure that the process is fair, quick, and transparent, helping people trust the courts.
The Chief Justice of India sent an inquiry report on a Delhi HC judge to the President and Prime Minister.
Under the Indian Constitution, removing a Supreme Court judge requires a Parliament vote.
Impeachment proceedings have been initiated five times since the Supreme Court's formation.
The author proposes streamlining the removal process for corrupt SC/HC judges.
The article suggests improvements to ensure the judiciary is perceived as above board.
- Who
- The article discusses judges of the Supreme and High Courts, the Chief Justice of India, the President, the Prime Minister, and the Parliament.
- What
- Discussion of the process for removing judges of the higher judiciary.
- When
- The article discusses events and constitutional frameworks within the Indian judicial system.
- Where
- India.
- Why
- To analyze the current impeachment process for higher judiciary judges and propose improvements to make it easier and faster.
Current System
Proposed System
Power Dynamics
Current System
Impeachment of judges is a complex process.
Proposed System
Judges can be appointed by the SC Collegium and can be dismissed by the President or Prime Minister.
Accountability
Current System
The Supreme Court chooses how to interpret the Constitution and appoint SC/HC judges itself.
Proposed System
Parliament is supreme because judges are not elected by the people.
- Relevant Articles
- Article 124 (4) and 217 (1)(b) of the Indian Constitution
- Focus
- Removal of SC/HC judges
- Number of Impeachment attempts
- Five since 1950
- Key issue
- Accountability of the judiciary
- Suggestion
- Streamline the removal process