Following the resignation of Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar, another significant development is rapidly gaining attention in the country's political landscape—the impeachment process against Justice Yashwant Verma of the Allahabad High Court.
New Delhi: The discussion surrounding the impeachment of Justice Yashwant Verma of the Allahabad High Court has been a hot topic across the country for some time. Speculation was rife regarding whether the impeachment process would begin in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. Now, Union Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju has put an end to this controversy by clarifying that the process will indeed commence in the Lok Sabha.
Background of the Case: Why is action being taken?
Justice Yashwant Verma came into the spotlight when a large amount of burnt currency notes was found at his residence in Delhi. Following this, the matter reached the Supreme Court, and a high-level inquiry committee was formed. After the investigation, the committee recommended the impeachment of Justice Verma. Now, following this recommendation, formal proceedings are being initiated against him in Parliament.
Action to Commence in Lok Sabha: Rijiju
During a media interaction on Friday, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju stated: "It has been decided with unanimous consensus that the process to remove Justice Yashwant Verma will begin in the Lok Sabha. Subsequently, it will be taken up in the Rajya Sabha as per the rules." He further clarified that there should be no confusion on this matter. Once the motion is presented in the Lok Sabha, consensus will be built on it in the Rajya Sabha as per the rules.
Rijiju mentioned that this decision was not taken by any one party but with the consent of all political parties. He emphasized that: "This is not a unilateral decision. All parties agree that unity and transparency are essential in such a serious process." According to the rules of Parliament, if the impeachment motion is presented in both houses on the same day, the Speaker of the Lok Sabha and the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha together form an inquiry committee. The subsequent process of impeachment is determined based on the report of this committee.
Dhankhar's Role and Controversy
Another interesting aspect has emerged regarding this issue. Former Vice President and then Chairman of the Rajya Sabha, Jagdeep Dhankhar, had accepted the motion in which 63 opposition MPs had signed against Justice Verma. This motion was accepted without informing the government's floor leaders.
Dhankhar's intention was for the impeachment proceedings to begin first in the Rajya Sabha, where the opposition's motion was already present. This raised questions about whether this process was influenced by political objectives. However, the government has now clarified the matter by stating that the Lok Sabha will initiate the process, ensuring that the proceedings move forward in a constitutionally sound manner.
The Impeachment Process: A Complex Legal Path
Under the Constitution of India, removing any judge of the higher judiciary is an extremely difficult and protected process. It requires a two-thirds majority in both houses of Parliament. Additionally, Parliament can pass a motion only after the inquiry committee has proven the charges. This is not the first time that impeachment proceedings are being initiated against a High Court judge. However, the case of Justice Yashwant Verma is extraordinary because it involves the aspect of a possible conspiracy of black money following demonetization.
