New Delhi: In a significant political and judicial development, 107 Members of Parliament from the DMK and several opposition parties have submitted an impeachment motion in the Lok Sabha seeking the removal of Madras High Court Judge Justice GR Swaminathan. The motion, dated December 9, invokes Article 217 read with Article 124 of the Constitution and accuses the judge of “misconduct,” bias, and decisions allegedly influenced by a “particular political ideology.”
The signatories include senior leaders such as TR Baalu, A Raja, Kanimozhi, Dayanidhi Maran, Akhilesh Yadav, Dimple Yadav, Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, Gaurav Gogoi, Manickam Tagore, Supriya Sule, Asaduddin Owaisi, ET Muhammed Basheer, Arvind Sawant, and Thol. Thirumavalavan, among others. The motion claims that Justice Swaminathan’s conduct undermines judicial impartiality, raising concerns over transparency and secular functioning. It further alleges “favouritism” towards a senior advocate and lawyers from a specific community.
However, the move comes closely on the heels of a recent High Court order passed by Justice Swaminathan that has stirred political and cultural debate. Last week, he permitted devotees to light a traditional lamp at a stone pillar atop Thirupparankundram hill, a site that holds significance for both a temple and a nearby dargah. Many saw the order as an affirmation of long-practiced Hindu religious customs at the sacred hill shrine, which has historically been associated with Murugan worship. Supporters of the order argue that preserving long-standing traditions at ancient temple sites is essential for protecting cultural and civilisational heritage.
The Tamil Nadu government, however, chose not to implement the directive and has filed an appeal against it, intensifying the legal and political friction around the issue.
