The Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPIM) has called for the removal of Justice GR Swaminathan, a judge at the Madras High Court’s Madurai Bench, from his judicial post following controversial remarks he made on Sanatana Dharma.Justice Swaminathan, whose recent verdict in the Thiruparankundram Deepam case sparked widespread debate across Tamil Nadu, stated at a public event that Sanatana Dharma should be kept in mind while performing public duties. He also emphasised his intention to continue serving for the remainder of his tenure.
CPIM state secretary P. Shanmugam condemned the judge’s comments, asserting that Sanatana Dharma — understood by critics as a religious or caste‑linked concept — represents discrimination and hierarchy. He argued that such a stance is incompatible with the secular values embodied in India’s Constitution and judicial ethics.
Shanmugam claimed that because Justice Swaminathan publicly endorsed this idea and indicated he would apply it in his judicial thinking, he has lost the moral authority and suitability to continue serving as a judge. The CPIM leader urged that Swaminathan be removed from his judicial position to preserve judicial impartiality and public confidence in the legal system.