In India, impeachment is the ultimate constitutional safeguard, a mechanism to hold the President and judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts accountable for grave misconduct, incapacity, or violation of the Constitution.

For the President, Article 61 outlines the process. A motion can be introduced in either House of Parliament, signed by at least one-fourth of members, with 14 days’ notice. It must be passed in both Houses by a two-thirds majority after investigation.

For judges, the process is governed by Article 124(4), Article 217, and the Judges Inquiry Act, 1968. A motion needs signatures of 100 Lok Sabha members or 50 Rajya Sabha members. A three-member inquiry committee, including a Supreme Court judge, a High Court Chief Justice, and an eminent jurist—examines the charges. If proven, both Houses must again pass the motion by a two-thirds majority.

Impeachment is deliberately rare and complex. It prevents political misuse while upholding the dignity of constitutional offices. India has witnessed very few impeachment motions, underscoring its role as a last resort safeguard against misuse of power.

In essence, impeachment sends a strong signal: no one is above the Constitution.