Oppn seeks Justice Swaminathan's impeachment over Karthigai Deepam lamp ruling

• Opposition leaders, led by DMK, moved an impeachment motion against Madras High Court Justice GR Swaminathan in the Lok Sabha.
• The motion stems from Justice Swaminathan's judgment on the Karthigai Deepam lamp issue at Madurai's Thiruparankundram hill, a site contested by a temple and a dargah.
• Justice Swaminathan had directed temple authorities to light the lamp; when unimplemented, he allowed devotees to do so under CISF protection.
• The DMK-led state government moved the Supreme Court against the order, and the issue caused parliamentary debate.
• Grounds for impeachment include "misconduct," questioning impartiality, alleged favoritism, and deciding cases based on a "particular political ideology."

Why It Matters: Judge's impeachment for religious ruling sparks judicial independence concerns.