Mass Opposition Pushback: MPs Seek Action Against Madras High Court Judge

New Delhi: 107 opposition MPs jointly passed G.R. The notice of removal from the post of Swaminathan has been submitted to the Speaker of Lok Sabha. The allegation is that the judge's recent decision—allowing lighting of lamps near a dargah located near a temple—is against the secular principles of fairness, the Constitution, and a transparent approach to justice. 

MPs from many parties including Congress, DMK, Samajwadi expressed unhappiness

Signatories to the notice include several major parties—such as the Congress, Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and Samajwadi Party (SP). Their opinion is that such a decision—without an adequate hearing or review—raises questions about the competency of the justice system. The DMK MP submitted the notice to the Speaker, while leaders of Congress and other parties also participated in this action.

What are the main allegations behind the indictment?

• The notice mainly emphasizes three allegations:
• lack of impartiality and transparency in the courts;
• giving undue advantage to special lawyers or community lawyers;
• Deciding matters on the basis of political or community ideology. 

The opposition says that such decisions not only weaken the constitutional strength but can also become a threat to social and religious harmony.

Political controversy erupted due to the decision

Due to this dispute, there was already religious and political tension in the state. The matter was further complicated by the recent court row and the state government's response. The court had given an order to allow lighting of puja lamps on a box lamp (Deepthoon) near the temple, but the administration did not follow the order. Many religious and political groups also protested against this. Due to controversy, this step has now come into the limelight at all three levels: social, legal, and political.

What might happen next—will there be a chance to fire the judge?

Now it remains to be seen whether the Lok Sabha Speaker accepts the notice or not. The process of removing a judge under the Constitution is complex, and there must be sufficient grounds for it. The opposition says the neutrality of the judiciary depends on these questions, while supporters say that one decision may be wrong, but it should not derail the entire institution.

Such a move could prove to be a major testbed for India's constitutional and judicial framework.