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According to a Congress source, both impeachment proceedings must go hand in hand
The government plans to move forward with Justice Varma’s impeachment during the monsoon session of Parliament, while Justice Yadav’s case seems to be stuck due to technical issues. (File photo: YouTube/Sansad TV)
The impeachment of Justice Yashwant Varma should have been an easy issue for Parliament to decide and reach a consensus on. However, when political differences are pronounced, even a “fight against corruption” in the judiciary can become mired in controversy.
Now it has been reduced to a story of two impeachments. While the opposition wants the immediate impeachment of Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav from the Allahabad High Court on the grounds that he was espousing RSS ideology in violation of norms, the government wants the opposition to focus on the impeachment of Justice Varma, after a huge stash of cash was found at his house.
The government plans to move forward with Justice Varma’s impeachment during the monsoon session of Parliament, while Justice Yadav’s case seems to be stuck due to technical issues. However, even Justice Varma’s impeachment is now witnessing a government versus opposition fight. More importantly, the Congress party is acting tough.
Sources say the party itself is divided. Many within the Congress think that not supporting the impeachment would send out the wrong message, as the BJP could accuse it of siding with corruption. Yet, a few high-profile lawyers in the party are not convinced. They feel there are certain unanswered questions that need to be addressed, and any move should be cautious.
At a meeting held by Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge, opinions were divided. While the issue of Justice Yadav’s impeachment was discussed, there was a sentiment that the government should not be allowed to get away. Regarding Justice Varma’s impeachment, the final decision was that opposition parties should move their own impeachment motion.
The rationale is that this would nullify the view that the Congress was supporting corruption. Additionally, it can be worded in a way that would address the concerns of the party’s lawyers. The challenge now is to garner support from other opposition parties, and sources say Congress will reach out to groups like the TMC, SP, and DMK. According to a Congress source, both impeachment proceedings must go hand in hand.
Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als…Read More
Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. She has als… Read More
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