The Process of Removal of a High Court Judge: A Case Study
UPSC Relevance
Prelims: Indian Polity and Governance (Judiciary, Removal of Judges, Constitutional Articles - 124(4), 217, Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968).
Mains:
GS Paper 2: Structure, organization and functioning of the Judiciary; Appointment to various Constitutional posts, powers, functions and responsibilities of various Constitutional Bodies; Separation of powers.
Key Highlights from the News
Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court will be discussed for a motion to remove him in Parliament.
This bipartisan motion has been signed by 152 MPs in the Lok Sabha.
The controversy related to the discovery of burnt currency notes from the judge's official residence is the reason for this action.
The proceedings will move forward according to the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
If the Speaker accepts the motion, a three-member inquiry committee will be appointed to investigate the allegations.
This committee will include a Supreme Court judge, a High Court Chief Justice, and an eminent jurist.
A motion to remove a High Court judge requires the support of at least 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha and at least 50 MPs in the Rajya Sabha.
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