Sen removal motion likely this session

The motion seeking removal (impeachment) of Calcutta High Court judge Soumitra Sen, held guilty for misappropriation of public funds and making false statements, is likely to be moved during the ongoing winter session of Parliament.

The motion seeking removal (impeachment) of Calcutta High Court judge Soumitra Sen, held guilty for misappropriation of public funds and making false statements, is likely to be moved during the ongoing winter session of Parliament.

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The matter was discussed in a business advisory committee meeting between Rajya Sabha chairman Hamid Ansari and leaders of all political parties on Thursday, and the majority view was to settle the matter during the current session only.

The report of the three-member probe panel appointed by Ansari, which sealed the fate of Justice Sen, was made public on Wednesday.

Ansari will discuss the matter with Lok Sabha Speaker Meira Kumar to decide the dates for discussing and passing the motion.

The provisions of the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968, which lays down the procedure for removal of high court and Supreme Court judges through impeachment by Parliament, makes it mandatory for both houses to pass the motion in the same session.

The outcome of the impeachment motion will depend on the stand to be taken by the Congress-led UPA, since it would have to be passed by a two-thirds of MPs in both houses.

The Congress and its allies have adopted a go-slow approach, but leaders have hinted they want Justice Sen removed.