A dmk spokesman has countered an indian express editorial, arguing that the impeachment motion against madras high court justice g r swaminathan by the india bloc strengthens democracy rather than undermining it. The move addresses the judge's conduct over two years, including alleged biases and favoritism. It is supported by 120 mps and follows prior complaints to the president and chief justice.
In a letter to the editor published in the indian express on december 18, 2025, salem dharanidharan, dmk spokesman and deputy secretary of the dmk it wing, disagreed with the outlet's editorial from december 13. The editorial had described the dmk's push to impeach justice g r swaminathan as disquieting and self-defeating. Dharanidharan asserted that impeachment serves as a constitutional safeguard under articles 124(4) and 217, ensuring checks and balances in democracy.
The impeachment motion, initiated by the india bloc and signed by 120 members of parliament, targets not a single order but the judge's pattern of behavior over the past two years. Accusations include deciding cases based on a particular political ideology, violating secular principles, and showing undue favoritism to lawyers from certain sections of society. In proceedings related to the hindu religious and charitable endowments department, justice swaminathan allegedly undermined its framework. During hearings on non-brahmin priests' appointments, he identified himself as a smartha brahmin and questioned non-brahmins' fitness for priesthood.
Further concerns involve the judge sharing stages with leaders of one political ideology. In 2024, alongside bjp leader h raja, he criticized the dmk and ridiculed its former leaders. In 2023, he stated that the constitution's survival depends on maintaining india's 'demographic profile' and adherence to 'bharatiya dharma'. Rajya sabha mp kapil sibal remarked that such a mindset endangers the constitution.
Four months before the thirupparankundram row, india bloc mps had written to president droupadi murmu and then chief justice b r gavai, accusing the judge of favoring advocates from the brahmin community and those linked to right-wing ideologies. Dharanidharan emphasized that the judiciary cannot be above scrutiny and that parliamentarians must check institutional overreach to protect the constitutional framework.
