New Delhi, Jan. 8 -- The Supreme Court on Thursday asked whether the absence of the Rajya Sabha Chairman to decide on the admission of a removal motion, particularly in cases of urgency owing to a judge's alleged incapacity under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, would render the entire removal process "unworkable".

The query arose during an exchange between the Bench and counsel appearing for Allahabad High Court judge, Justice Yashwant Varma, on the scope of the Deputy Chairman's powers to act as Chairman and decide on the admission (or rejection) of a removal motion in the latter's absence.

The Court was hearing Justice Varma's plea challenging the Inquiry Committee constituted by the Lok Sabha Speaker to probe corruption allegations against...