ET View: V-P right to reject Congress motion, but should give details that led to the decision
There’s no doubt another political slugfest will begin now that Vice President Venkaiah Naidu has rejected the Opposition sponsored CJI impeachment motion. But Congress allegations of less than fair play must be set against the motion’s merit or lack of it.
As argued earlier in this space, the impeachment motion lacked substance and went nowhere close to citing the kind of damning prima facie evidence that is required for parliamentary action on such a grave matter. Eminent and politically impartial jurists had condemned the Opposition motion.
They too had pointed out the arguments given by the Opposition were thin at best. So, while a democracy must allow the Opposition to scrutinise those in power in any branch of government, the Opposition claim must also be subjected to scrutiny, especially when high offices are concerned.
That said, it will be smart on the V-P’s part to provide details of the argument that helped him arrive at his decision. Wide dissemination of Naidu’s reasons will lift the quality of debate and also therefore help the judiciary, which must do its own bit to give the appearance of an orderly house. And Congress must not make the foolish mistake of moving the Supreme Court on this, thinking it can take advantage of alleged divisions in the collegium. The party will gain nothing. The country will lose even more faith in how the system is run. Time to move on from the impeachment issue.
