76 Rajya Sabha MPs file impeachment plea against Dinakaran

The MPs belonging to BJP, Left parties, Samajwadi Party, Janata Dal (United), Akali Dal and AIADMK submitted the petition to Rajya Sabha Chairman Hamid Ansari seeking the impeachment of Justice Dinakaran, who is facing allegations of land grabbing.

Senior CPI(M) leader Sitaram Yechury told reporters that the MPs moved the petition in exercise of their Constitutional right as there was a "strong case" with the government returning the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium for Justice Dinakaran's elevation to the apex court.

Leader of Opposition in the Upper House, Arun Jaitley said that Justice Dinakaran should not continue. If the motion is admitted, a three-member committee comprising a Supreme Court judge, a high court chief justice and a jurist would be set up to go into the issue, he said.

Asked whether Congress members had also signed the petition, he said if the Congress members wanted to join, they are welcome.

Samajwadi Party leader Amar Singh asked how could a chief justice of a high court function if he is not eligible to become a Supreme Court judge.

Justice Dinakaran's elevation to the Supreme Court has been put on hold following allegations of land grabbing.

Top jurists like F S Nariman have objected to his elevation accusing him of judicial impropriety.