In order to provide for their independence, the Constitution made judges of the superior courts immune from removal except by impeachment.

In this quote, Prashant Bhushan explains a fundamental aspect of the Constitution that ensures the independence of judges in superior courts. The provision that judges cannot be removed from office except through impeachment is a safeguard designed to protect them from external pressures, particularly political interference. This immunity from removal helps maintain the integrity and impartiality of the judiciary, ensuring that judges can make decisions based solely on the law and their understanding of justice, without fear of losing their position.

Bhushan emphasizes that the primary purpose of this provision is to secure the independence of the judiciary. By making it difficult to remove judges, the Constitution ensures that they can function without the threat of retaliation for decisions that may be unpopular with the government or other influential groups. This is crucial in maintaining a checks and balances system, where the judiciary can hold other branches of government accountable.

The reference to impeachment as the sole method of removal further underscores the seriousness of the process. Impeachment is a formal and rigorous procedure that requires significant evidence of misconduct, preventing arbitrary or politically motivated dismissals. This high standard of accountability ensures that only in cases of serious wrongdoing can a judge be removed, thus upholding the rule of law.

Ultimately, Bhushan's quote highlights the importance of judicial independence in a functioning democracy. By protecting judges from arbitrary dismissal, the Constitution safeguards the judiciary's ability to uphold justice impartially and without fear of external influence, which is essential for maintaining public trust in the legal system.