Process on to impeach Justice Varma, govt awaiting probe panel report: Kiren Rijiju

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Government Awaiting Probe Panel Report on Justice Varma Impeachment Proceedings

New Delhi: The Union government is currently awaiting the report of a probe panel before proceeding with any potential impeachment proceedings against Justice Varma. This statement was made by Kiren Rijiju, the Union Minister of Law and Justice.

Rijiju indicated that the government's next steps regarding the Supreme Court judge will be contingent upon the findings and recommendations of the inquiry committee. While the specific details of the allegations against Justice Varma remain undisclosed, the formation of a probe panel signifies that formal inquiries into his conduct are underway.

Impeachment proceedings against a Supreme Court judge in India are a multi-stage process. It typically begins with a notice of impeachment being moved in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha, requiring a substantial number of signatures from Members of Parliament. If the notice is admitted, a three-member inquiry committee, usually comprising a Supreme Court judge, a chief justice of a high court, and a distinguished jurist, is constituted to investigate the charges.

The committee then conducts an inquiry and submits its report. If the report finds the judge guilty of misbehavior or incapacity, the impeachment motion can be debated and voted upon by both Houses of Parliament. A two-thirds majority in both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha is required for the impeachment to be successful, after which the President of India may issue an order of removal.

The government's stance, as articulated by Minister Rijiju, suggests a commitment to a procedural approach, emphasizing the need for a thorough investigation before any decisive action is taken. The outcome of the probe panel's report will be crucial in determining the future course of action concerning Justice Varma.

Further details regarding the nature of the allegations and the timeline for the probe panel's report are expected to be released by the government in due course.

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