Why is the RS Chairman Silent on the Impeachment Motion Against Justice Shekhar Yadav?

Synopsis
Senior advocate Kapil Sibal has raised critical questions about the Rajya Sabha Chairman's silence regarding an impeachment motion against Justice Shekhar Yadav. With serious concerns about judicial integrity and government influence, Sibal's commentary sheds light on the ongoing struggle for judicial independence in India.
Key Takeaways
- Kapil Sibal criticizes inaction on impeachment motion.
- The motion against Justice Yadav has 55 supporters.
- Concerns about judicial independence are rising.
- Delay in proceedings could erode public trust.
- Government influence on judiciary is a serious concern.
New Delhi, June 10 (NationPress) Senior advocate and Rajya Sabha MP, Kapil Sibal, has vehemently condemned Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar for his inaction regarding an impeachment motion submitted against Allahabad High Court judge Justice Shekhar Kumar Yadav, which has remained unaddressed for nearly six months.
During a press conference on Tuesday, Sibal disclosed that the motion, which was filed on December 13, 2024, had garnered the endorsement of 55 Rajya Sabha members. He pointed out that despite the significant passage of time, the Chairman has yet to initiate any proceedings.
“It is the constitutional obligation of the Chairman to validate the signatures and proceed accordingly. Should this process truly take half a year?” Sibal questioned.
“When those in high constitutional positions procrastinate on such issues, it raises serious concerns,” he remarked.
Sibal further probed whether the government was attempting to shield Justice Yadav, who faces allegations of making communal and provocative statements during a speech at an event organized by the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) at the Allahabad High Court Bar Association in December 2024.
Justice Yadav allegedly asserted that India should be governed according to the majority's will, making remarks interpreted as targeting the Muslim community. A video capturing his speech circulated extensively on social media.
In the aftermath, the Supreme Court took notice of the incident and requested a report from the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court.
Sibal mentioned that the Chief Justice provided a negative report regarding Justice Yadav’s conduct. Nonetheless, the Rajya Sabha Secretariat purportedly communicated with the Chief Justice of India, requesting the suspension of the in-house inquiry, citing the pending impeachment motion in Parliament.
“This is unprecedented,” Sibal stated. “The in-house procedures of the Supreme Court are autonomous and should not be hindered by parliamentary processes that have yet to be acknowledged.”
Sibal cautioned that delays in constitutional procedures could undermine public faith in both the judiciary and Parliament. He also alleged that the government’s efforts to influence judicial appointments are part of a larger strategy to compromise judicial independence.
“If the government aims to dominate judicial appointments and protect judges accused of communal prejudice, it’s a perilous route for our democracy,” he warned.