Congress denies revenge' charge

New Delhi: In an unprecedented move, the Congress and six other Opposition parties on Friday moved a notice for the impeachment of Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, accusing him of five counts of “misbehaviour” and “misusing” authority. 

“As representatives of the people, we are entitled to hold the Chief Justice accountable, just as we are accountable to the people. The majesty of the law is more important than the majesty of any office,” Mr Sibal said.

The MPs who signed the notice belong to the Congress, the NCP, the CPM, the CPI, the SP, the Bahujan Samajwadi Party and the Indian Union Muslim League. The Trinamul, DMK, RJD and some other parties backed out from supporting the move.

Asked why other important leaders did not sign the notice, Mr Sibal said, “We didn’t want a few others to be embarrassed as certain matters are pending.”

The Congress vehemently denied the charge that it was moving an impeachment notice as the petition in the death of Judge Loya was rejected by the apex court. 

Mr Azad said that they (opposition parties) had sought time with the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha about a week back. He further added, “The process had begun almost a month back during the second part of the budget session, the signatures are also dated.” 

On being asked why the impeachment notice was being given now Mr Sibal said, “We were hoping that the anguish of the four senior judges of the Supreme Court as reflected in their statements to the Press would be addressed by the Chief Justice and the Chief Justice in response would set his house in order. More than three months have passed. Nothing has changed.”