Archive · 19 Dec 2025
Opposition Moves to Impeach Madras High Court Judge
Some politicians in India want to remove a judge from the Madras High Court.
They say the judge has been unfair and has favored certain groups, which goes against the country's secular principles.
The judge had told a temple to bring back a tradition that the local government didn't agree with.
Many former judges are worried that this move to remove the judge is a bad idea because it might make the judiciary less independent.
They say the judiciary, government, and legislature should all have clear roles and not interfere with each other.
The public is confused, and there are concerns about keeping peace between different communities.
120 MPs from the INDIA bloc have moved to impeach Madras High Court Justice G R Swaminathan.
Allegations include undue favouritism, political ideology in judgments, and violating secular principles.
The judge had instructed a temple to revive a tradition, which the local government refused, leading to contempt proceedings.
56 former judges condemned the impeachment move, citing intimidation of the judiciary and encroachment on judicial independence.
The former judges emphasized the importance of the separation of powers and the need for well-defined roles in democracy.
- Who
- Justice G R Swaminathan, Madras High Court, and 120 MPs from the INDIA bloc
- What
- Impeachment motion against the judge for alleged misconduct
- When
- Not specified, but recent
- Where
- Madras High Court, Tamil Nadu, India
- Why
- Allegations of undue favouritism, political ideology in judgments, and violating secular principles
- Judge in Question
- Justice G R Swaminathan, Madras High Court
- Impeachment Movers
- 120 MPs from the INDIA bloc
- Allegations
- Undue favouritism, political ideology in judgments, violating secular principles
- Constitutional Articles
- Articles 124(4) and 217
- Former Judges' Response
- 56 former judges condemned the move, citing intimidation of the judiciary
- Judicial Fraternity Concern
- Potential encroachment on judicial independence
- Government's Stance
- Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam government refused to allow a temple tradition, leading to contempt proceedings
- Public Perception
- Concerns over community tensions and judicial impartiality