DMK Impeachment Bid Over Hindu Ritual Order: Judicial Independence Under Threat

• Madras High Court order allowing Hindu ritual lamp lighting at a Madurai hilltop pillar sparked controversy.
• The DMK-led Tamil Nadu government challenged the order, blocked access, and filed an impeachment notice against Justice G Swaminathan.
• The impeachment notice is viewed as a disturbing precedent, potentially undermining judicial independence over a contentious case.
• DMK alleges Justice Swaminathan committed procedural lapses, while the Hindu community feels their religious rights are denied and the judiciary is being punished.
• The dispute over the Thiruparankundram hill ritual has a century-long history, involving a temple and a dargah.

Why It Matters: Impeachment notice against a judge threatens judicial independence and religious rights.