The Union government is considering initiating impeachment proceedings in Parliament against Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court, following serious allegations stemming from the discovery of a large sum of burnt cash at his official residence in Delhi. The incident had earlier triggered a Supreme Court-initiated inquiry which reportedly indicted the judge.
Justice Varma, who was serving with the Delhi High Court at the time of the incident, was subsequently repatriated to the Allahabad High Court. Despite being urged to resign by then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, he refused to step down, government sources revealed.
A senior government official stated that if Justice Varma does not voluntarily resign, an impeachment motion is “an obvious choice.” Parliament is expected to convene next during the Monsoon Session, beginning in the latter half of July.
Indictment by In-House Panel
According to sources, the Supreme Court had constituted an in-house inquiry committee to investigate the matter after the incident came to light. Although the findings of the committee have not been made public, they reportedly formed the basis for Chief Justice Khanna’s recommendation to the President and Prime Minister for Justice Varma’s impeachment.
While the judge has denied any connection to the burnt currency recovered from his outhouse and claimed innocence, the controversy has sparked political outrage across party lines.
Government Preparing Grounds for Motion
The Union government is in the process of consulting opposition parties before taking further steps. “A final decision on the matter will be taken soon. It is difficult to ignore such a visible scandal,” a government source stated.
For a judge’s impeachment, the Constitution provides that a motion can be introduced in either House of Parliament. The requirement is a minimum of 100 members in the Lok Sabha or 50 members in the Rajya Sabha to sign the motion. Upon admission and a two-thirds majority in support, the presiding officer of the respective House would refer the matter to an investigative committee.
This committee comprises a sitting Supreme Court judge, a Chief Justice of a High Court, and an eminent jurist nominated by the government. The panel would evaluate the charges detailed in the motion.
Sources indicate that the draft motion would incorporate the findings of the three-member inquiry committee constituted earlier. The government is keen to build consensus on the matter and is expected to finalize consultations with key political parties before moving ahead.
Justice Varma has remained on the judicial roster at the Allahabad High Court, with no official word yet on any voluntary recusal or administrative reassignment.
Justice Yashwant Varma was posted at the Delhi High Court when a fire incident at his residence reportedly led to the discovery of large sums of partially burnt currency notes. The episode prompted the Supreme Court to intervene and conduct an internal inquiry, the outcome of which has now become the basis for potential impeachment.
Allahabad High Court Bar Association President Anil Tiwari welcomed the Union Government’s reported move to initiate impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Varma over alleged money recovery from his residence, calling it a “victory for the public” and a step that strengthens public faith in the judiciary. He urged all political parties to support the motion.
Earlier, the Supreme Court had declined to hear a plea for an FIR against Justice Varma, advising the petitioner to first make representations to the Prime Minister and the President. The Court also noted that the in-house inquiry committee’s report had already been forwarded to both authorities.
