Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla today said that he is looking into the impeachment motion against a judge of Madras High Court, as per rules and procedure, moved by opposition MPs. Members of Parliament from the DMK and other opposition parties have moved a motion before the Lok Sabha Speaker, seeking the impeachment of Madras High Court judge Justice GR Swaminathan under Article 217 read with 124 of the Constitution.

Justice Swaminathan recently permitted devotees to light a lamp on a stone pillar atop Thirupparankundram Hill near a dargah. To impeach a judge in Parliament, a removal motion is required to be signed by 100 Lok Sabha MPs or 50 Rajya Sabha MPs. If the motion is admitted, a three-member judicial committee investigates the matter. The Parliament votes on the impeachment if the committee finds misconduct. If the motion gets two-thirds of the votes, the president is advised to remove the judge.

On the issue of e-cigarettes inside the parliament premises, the Lok Sabha Speaker said the investigation is on by taking all aspects of the incident and appropriate action will be taken after that. He added that smoking is prohibited at public places under the Act, but if the incident happened inside the parliament, it is very unfortunate. He added that the committee is looking into the matter. The issue of e-cigarettes erupted in the parliament after some TMC MPs were caught smoking within the premises of parliament, drawing massive backlash for the BJP.