Congress to Consider Impeachment Route Against CJI, Says Lawyer

The party would back the four judges who revolted on Friday, said a senior lawyer who was consulted by Congress.

Congress is likely to slam the Centre for its interference in the judiciary and the resultant crisis, the lawyer added.

(Photo Courtesy: Twitter/@INCIndia)

The Congress said "democracy is in danger" after four seniormost Supreme Court judges called a press conference alleging that the situation in the top court was "not in order" and many "less than desirable" things have taken place.

"We are very concerned to hear four judges of the Supreme Court expressing concerns about the functioning of the Supreme Court. #DemocracyInDanger," the Congress' official Twitter handle said.

A senior lawyer consulted by the party revealed on the condition of anonymity that the party is considering the route of moving impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, with Kapil Sibal leading the consultations.

Congress is likely to slam the Centre for its interference in the judiciary and the resultant crisis, the lawyer added.

He further disclosed that the party is most likely to support the four judges in a press conference scheduled to be held later on Friday evening.

While the party has not openly admitted to taking the impeachment route, a senior leader confirmed to Scroll.in that it has reached out to other parties to consider the option.

The leader pressed that the “unprecedented crisis in the apex court needs an unprecedented solution.”

Apparently, after the press conference was held by the judges, Kapil Sibal immediately discussed the issue with several lawyers. Though the final decision will be taken by the Congress president in a meeting scheduled for Friday evening. He will meet three senior advocates on Saturday, 13 January, in the capital to discuss the matter.

(With inputs from Scroll.in)

(The story was filed before the Congress press conference took place on Friday, 12 January).