After rejecting the impeachment petition by the opposition, Vice President and Rajya Sabha Chairman Venkaiah Naidu defended his decision. The opposition questioned Mr. Naidu, stating his decision was hasty and not well thought through.
Addressing a group of lawyers Mr. Naidu said his decision was made after a month of due diligence. Naidu said, “I don’t think it warrants compliments as I only did what was expected of me and in the manner, the Chairman of Rajya Sabha was expected to conduct in such matters. Some Members of the House had a point of view and the right to express it while I had a responsibility cast on me. I have done my job and am satisfied with it.”
He further added, “I have since been working on the provisions, procedures and precedents in the matter given the serious nature of the proposal and its implications and the imperative need for a timely decision.”
Last week, seven opposition parties submitted a petition for the impeachment of the Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra. The petition was signed by over 70 members and was submitted to the Chairman of the Rajya Sabha.
This move by the opposition comes after the Supreme Court Bench headed by CJI Misra ruled the death of Judge B. H. Loya in 2014 as natural and no investigation was needed. Judge Loya’s mysterious death occurred at the time he was deciding on the murder charges against BJP President Amit Shah.
