In 1991, how many Lok Sabha members submitted a memo to the Speaker of 9th Lok Sabha for the address of President for the removal of a learned judge?

1. A

   102

2. B

   108

3. C

   99

4. D

   106

Appeared in: DSSSB 6 September 2024

Explanation

• In 1991, a total of 108 members of the 9th Lok Sabha signed and submitted a memorandum to the Speaker, initiating removal proceedings against Supreme Court Justice V. Ramaswami.
• This was the first time in the history of independent India that impeachment proceedings were initiated against a sitting Supreme Court judge.
• The number 108 met the constitutional requirement under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, which mandates a minimum of 100 Lok Sabha members to sign such a motion.

Why Other Options Were Wrong

• Option A: Although this number is above the minimum threshold of 100, it is factually incorrect for the specific historical event concerning Justice V. Ramaswami.
• Option C: This number is incorrect because it falls short of the constitutional minimum of 100 signatures required from Lok Sabha members to initiate a judge's removal motion.
• Option D: This is a plausible number but is factually incorrect. The exact historical figure for the signatories on the memorandum was 108.

Related Visual

Clinical Relevance

• Nursing practice connection: This is primarily an exam-oriented knowledge point with limited direct bedside application, so retain Impeachment process of a judge in India and related historical events as background academic context rather than a clinical decision trigger.
• Understanding the process of judicial accountability is essential for general awareness and competitive examinations.
• This topic demonstrates the principle of 'checks and balances' in the Indian Constitution, where the legislature can hold the judiciary accountable for proven misbehavior or incapacity.
• The failure of the motion against Justice Ramaswami, despite the inquiry committee finding him guilty, highlights the political complexities and the high procedural bar for removing a judge.

How to Approach the Question

• Identify the question type: This is a factual recall question from Indian Polity, requiring knowledge of a specific historical event.
• Analyze the keywords: '1991', 'Lok Sabha', 'removal of a judge'.
• Recall the constitutional rule: The minimum number of members required to initiate a removal motion for a judge in the Lok Sabha is 100. This immediately invalidates the option '99'.
• Access specific knowledge: The question asks for the exact number in a famous case. You need to recall the specific details of the Justice V. Ramaswami impeachment proceedings.
• Compare the remaining options (102, 108, 106) with the historical fact. The correct number of signatories was 108.
• Select the option that matches the precise historical data.

Concept Tested & Keywords

• Concept Tested: Impeachment process of a judge in India and related historical events.
• Stem keywords: 1991, Lok Sabha members, memo, Speaker, removal of a judge
• Lead-in keywords: how many

Question ID

QMa7gRmku87rPY30-EYTX

Copy ID