Manmohan Singh (file photo) | Photo Credit: PTI

New Delhi: Former Congress Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has not signed the impeachment motion against the Chief justice of India. The development comes on the backdrop of 71 MPs from seven parties backing an impeachment motion against the CJI. The Congress party, however, played down the development and said that he was not approached as he is the ex-PM. Making serious allegations against Chief Justice of India, the Congress on Friday cried that "democracy is under threat". Congress leader Kapil Sibal justified the move citing that the judges of the Supreme Court themselves believe that the Judiciary's independence is under threat".

"We didn’t involve him, he is an ex-PM," said Congress leader Kapil Sibal while addressing a press conference. "When the judges of the Supreme Court themselves believe that the Judiciary's independence is at threat, alluding to the functioning of the office of the CJI, should the nation stand still and do nothing?" Sibal said adding, "We wish this day had never come in the fabric of our constitutional framework. Since the day he (Dipak Misra) was appointed as CJI there have been questions raised in the manner in which he has dealt with certain cases: Kapil Sibal, Congress on Impeachment Motion against CJI."

#BREAKING Massive twist in impeachment plot, Manmohan Singh refuses to sign impeachment motion, Congress plays down embarrassment, Cong: We didn’t involve him, he is an ex PM #CJIUnderSeige pic.twitter.com/MCPDiui4KM — TIMES NOW (@TimesNow) April 20, 2018

71 MPs had signed the impeachment motion (against CJI) but as seven of the MPs have retired, the number is now 64- news agency ANI reported. "We have more than the minimum requirement needed to entertain the motion and we are sure that the Hon Chairman will take action," Ghulam Nabi Azad, Leader of Opposition said after meeting Vice President.

