Priyanka Tiwari
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Suspense crime, Digital Desk : A senior judge of the Allahabad High Court, Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, is facing a formal move for his removal from office after 50 members of India's Rajya Sabha (the upper house of Parliament) reportedly signed an impeachment notice against him.
The move comes after a series of highly controversial and widely criticized judgments and observations made by the judge, which lawmakers argue amount to judicial misconduct. According to a report by The Wire, the impeachment notice highlights several specific instances that have sparked public outrage and debate.
Among the most notable controversies cited are:
Scientifically Baseless Claims: In one judgment, Justice Yadav stated that scientists believe the cow is the only animal that both inhales and exhales oxygen. He also advocated for making the cow the "national animal" of India.
Use of Astrology in Court: In a bail hearing for a rape case, he delayed his decision to first determine if the victim was "manglik" (an astrological condition believed to be inauspicious for marriage), a move condemned as unscientific and irrelevant to a legal proceeding.
Comments on Personal Relationships: In another case, he made observations criticizing modern "live-in relationships," suggesting they are not healthy for society and are a cause of problems.
The impeachment of a judge is a rare and serious constitutional process in India, reserved for cases of proven misbehavior or incapacity. For the process to begin, a notice must be signed by at least 50 members of the Rajya Sabha or 100 members of the Lok Sabha (the lower house).
Once submitted, the notice is reviewed by the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha. If admitted, a three-member committee is formed to investigate the charges. If the committee finds the judge guilty, the motion is put to a vote in both houses of Parliament.
This move by the Rajya Sabha MPs signals a significant step towards holding the judiciary accountable and has reignited a national conversation about the boundaries of judicial conduct and the importance of scientific temperament in legal judgments.
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