56 former judges push back against move to impeach Madras HC judge
Over 50 retired judges, including ex-Supreme Court justices, have spoken out against an impeachment motion filed by over 100 MPs targeting Justice G R Swaminathan of the Madras High Court.
The motion accuses him of bias and violating secularism, following his order allowing a religious lamp-lighting at Thirupparankundram hill near a dargah.
Why does it matter?
This move has stirred up political debate—some leaders warn it could fuel communal tensions before elections, while others call it an attack on judicial independence.
The former judges say the charges don't meet the high bar for impeachment and worry this could set a dangerous precedent for using politics against the judiciary.
They're urging Parliament and citizens not to let this become about retaliation instead of justice.