How many Judges of the Supreme Court of India have been removed so far by the process of impeachment ?

Correct option is D

The correct answer is (d) None.

As of December 2024, no judge of the Supreme Court of India has been removed through the process of impeachment. While impeachment proceedings have been initiated against certain judges, none have culminated in removal from office.

The process of impeaching a judge in India is rigorous, requiring a majority of the total membership of each House of Parliament and a two-thirds majority of members present and voting. This stringent procedure underscores the importance of judicial independence and ensures that removal is reserved for only the most serious offenses.

Additional Information:

• Justice V. Ramaswami: In 1991, Justice V. Ramaswami became the first Supreme Court judge against whom impeachment proceedings were initiated. An Inquiry Committee found him guilty on several charges; however, the impeachment motion was defeated in the Lok Sabha due to insufficient votes.

• Justice Soumitra Sen: In 2011, Justice Soumitra Sen of the Calcutta High Court was impeached by the Rajya Sabha on charges of misappropriation of funds. Before the Lok Sabha could vote on the motion, he resigned from his position.

• Justice P.D. Dinakaran: Impeachment proceedings were initiated against Justice P.D. Dinakaran, Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court, over allegations of corruption and judicial misconduct. He resigned in 2011 before the proceedings could be concluded.

• Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy: In 2017, members of the Rajya Sabha moved a motion to initiate impeachment proceedings against Justice C.V. Nagarjuna Reddy of the High Court for Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. The proceedings did not lead to his removal.