Justice G.R. Swaminathan Impeachment Bid: Judicial Independence at Stake

• An impeachment motion has been initiated against Madras High Court Justice G.R. Swaminathan by 107 'INDIA' bloc MPs.
• The controversy stems from his order to light the Karthigai Deepam on top of Tiruparankundram hill, conflicting with a 100-year-old tradition of lighting it mid-hill due to a Dargah.
• The DMK government refused to comply with the order, citing law and order concerns, escalating the dispute into a contempt of court and impeachment issue.
• Justice Swaminathan's past rulings, such as those in the Perumal Murugan and Tablighi Jamaat cases, are cited by supporters to counter allegations of bias.
• Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended Justice Swaminathan, leading to accusations from the opposition that the judge is supported by the BJP.

Why It Matters: A judge's impeachment bid ignites a critical debate on judicial independence.