In a strong statement, VCK leader Thol. Thirumavalavan has demanded that G.R. Swaminathan — judge of the Madurai bench of the Madras High Court — resigns voluntarily. Thirumavalavan argued that given the severity of the accusations against Swaminathan, no new cases should be assigned to him.
The demand comes after a large group of MPs from the INDIA bloc submitted a motion to impeach the judge under Articles 217 and 124 of the Constitution. The motion charges Swaminathan with alleged misconduct, including “undue favouritism” and compromising judicial impartiality and secular principles.
Thirumavalavan warned that if Swaminathan continues hearing cases, especially in the presently sensitive environment in Tamil Nadu, it could trigger more turmoil in the state. He accused the judge of overstepping his authority by involving unrelated parties — including the state’s Chief Secretary, the DGP, and the Union Home Secretary — in a contempt case. According to the VCK leader, such actions suggest a deeper conspiratorial motive to stir communal tension.
The controversy revolves around Swaminathan’s order permitting the lighting of the lamp (Deepam) atop a hill at Thiruparankundram, near a dargah. That judgement has polarised opinion: critics say it violates secular practice and threatens social harmony. Several lawyers’ bodies and political parties have already demanded his removal, calling the ruling “hasty and biased.”