Opposition parties have given their support to remove Judge Yashwant Verma. Signatures of MPs will be taken soon. The government may bring a proposal in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha during the monsoon session.
New Delhi: The central government has expedited the process of removing Judge Yashwant Verma of the Allahabad High Court. Union Minister Kiren Rijiju informed on Thursday that major opposition parties have given their in-principle approval to this proposal. Now, the government is preparing to start the process of collecting signatures from MPs.
Proposal to be presented in Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha
The government has not yet decided whether this proposal will be brought in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. If brought in the Lok Sabha, a minimum of 100 MPs' signatures will be required. For the Rajya Sabha, support from 50 MPs will be needed. This proposal may be presented during the monsoon session which will begin on July 21 and continue until August 21.
A three-member committee will be formed for investigation
To remove Judge Yashwant Verma, a three-member committee will be constituted under the 'Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968'. This committee will include:
- The Chief Justice of India or a judge of the Supreme Court.
- The Chief Justice of a High Court.
- A distinguished jurist.
This committee will investigate the allegations on the basis of which the judge is being sought to be removed. Parliament can take further action only on the basis of the committee's report.
The incident of finding cash became the basis
The incident of finding cash from Judge Yashwant Verma's government residence is the background of this entire process. However, he was not found guilty in the report of the three-member investigation committee. The committee had recommended further action in its report, as the right to remove any judge rests only with Parliament.
The government wants to bring all political parties together
Union Minister Rijiju said that since this matter is related to potential corruption in the judiciary, the government wants the participation of all political parties in it. This will make the action legal and transparent. He also stated that the final decision will be taken on the basis of broad support in Parliament.
