Context (TH): The USA House of Representatives voted to formally open an impeachment inquiry into the President.
Impeachment is the act or process of formally removing a public official.
None of the US Presidentshave been impeached officially by both the houses of the US Congress.
Some have faced the charge and have been officially impeached by one house.
In 2021, President Trump became the first president to be impeached twice (one house).
Impeachment in USA vs India
Basis of Distinction
USA
India
Applicability
Following are subject to impeachment:
President
Vice-President
All civil officers
Only President (Article 61 of IC)
Grounds
Treason, Bribery, other high crimes or misdemeanours
Violation of the IC
Process
The House of Representatives brings articles (charges) of impeachment against the President.
If the House adopts the articlesby a simple majority vote, the President has been impeached.
After that, the Senate holds an impeachment trial. The U.S. SC chief justice presides the trial.
If two-thirds of the senators are present and vote for conviction, the president is removed.
Either House of Parliament can move the impeachment charges (resolution).
Such a resolution can be moved only:
After giving 14-day notice in writing
If it is signed by at leastone-fourth of the members of the House.
The House can pass the resolution by a majority of two-thirds of the total membership.
If the resolution is passed by one house, it is sent to another.
The other House will investigate the charge.
As a result of the investigation, if a resolution is passed by a majority of two-thirds of the total membership of the House, the President is removed from office
Consequences
If removed from office, the President cannot hold the elected office again.
