13 August 2025: The Hindu Editorial
1. Lok Sabha Speaker sets in motion process to remove HC judge
Source -Page 1, The Hindu – Delhi Edition
| Topic: GS2 – Polity & Governance |
| Context |
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Constitutional Framework:
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Article 124(4) & (5): Provides procedure for removal of Supreme Court judges; applies to High Court judges via Article 217.
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Article 217: Appointment and conditions of the office of a High Court judge.
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Article 218: Application of certain provisions of the SC to High Courts.
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Removal requires proved misbehaviour or incapacity and a special majority in both Houses of Parliament.
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Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 lays down the investigative procedure.
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Charges Against the Judge:
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Burnt currency notes allegedly found at his residence.
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A Supreme Court in-house inquiry found prima facie evidence of misconduct.
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Inquiry Committee Members:
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Justice Aravind Kumar (Supreme Court)
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Chief Justice M.M. Shrivastava (Madras High Court)
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Senior Advocate B.V. Acharya
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Significance of the Process:
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Judicial independence is vital, but accountability mechanisms must exist.
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This is one of the few times post-independence when the removal process for a High Court judge has been activated.
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Challenges in Judicial Accountability:
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Lengthy removal process may allow judges to retire before proceedings conclude.
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Conclusion/Way Forward:
India needs a permanent judicial complaints commission to investigate misconduct swiftly while safeguarding independence. Strengthening the in-house mechanism and ensuring time-bound inquiries will preserve both trust and efficiency.
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Practice Question: “Discuss the implications of Pakistan’s nuclear rhetoric on India-Pakistan relations and the stability of the Indus Waters Treaty.” |
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