Modi attacks Congress over Impeachment motion against CJI
In a first-ever attack on Congress over Impeachment motion against CJI, PM Modi today said that it was their way to intimidate judiciary. While addressing the nation during 'black day' protest to mark 43rd anniversary of Emergency, Modi said that Congress's mentality is still what it was in 1975, the year Emergency was imposed by Indira Gandhi government. Here's more on what he said.
What exactly did the PM say?
"These are the people who couldn't digest the fact the judiciary can level charges against their family," said PM. He alleged that Congress brought Impeachment motion to threaten the top judge and to further control the judges in lower courts, who were hearing corruption cases against the party or its members.
Before you read further, know what is Impeachment
Impeachment is the process that is used to formally level charges against senior legislative body officials. It does not necessarily mean the removal of the official from his/her post but surely a step towards it. The President and Judges can be impeached by the Parliament for violation of the Constitution. There is a possibility of conviction in case the official is impeached.
What exactly was Modi referring to?
Notably, in April this year, the Congress, along with 6 other Opposition parties, had handed over the Impeachment notice against CJI Deepak Misra to Vice President Venkaiah Naidu. The notice was signed by 71 MPs of Opposition who accused the CJI of "misbehavior" and "incapacity". However, it was rejected by the VP as he didn't find the allegations levelled against CJI to be true.
When rejected by VP, Congress moved the Supreme Court
Congress didn't budge and took a step further by filing a petition in the Supreme Court, challenging the rejection of the impeachment motion by the VP. The plea was filed on behalf of two RS MPs Partap Singh Bajwa and Amee Harshad. However, later the plea was withdrawn on May 9. It is to be noted that no Indian chief justice has ever been impeached.
But, what was Congress thinking?
Congress alleged that CJI had been biased in dealing with high-profile cases like the death of judge HB Loya and Ram Mandir issue in Ayodhya. The party also allegedly accused Chief Justice of acquiring land illegally. The Impeachment notice also cited the abuse done by CJI to his juniors and of being biased in assigning the cases.
