The central government is preparing to initiate impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament, government sources have confirmed. Minister of Parliamentary Affairs Kiren Rijiju is set to hold consultations with leaders from all political parties to build consensus on the matter.
Background: Cash Scandal and Misconduct Allegations
Justice Yashwant Varma, formerly serving as a judge in the Delhi High Court, was transferred to the Allahabad High Court earlier this year after a significant quantity of burnt currency notes was found at his official residence in Delhi. The incident prompted a probe by a Supreme Court-appointed inquiry committee.
The committee, led by former Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, reportedly found sufficient evidence of misconduct linked to the recovery of the cash. Based on these findings, Justice Khanna advised Justice Varma to step down voluntarily from his post. However, upon his refusal, Justice Khanna is said to have written to both the President of India and the Prime Minister, recommending that Parliament initiate impeachment proceedings.
Government Moves Toward Impeachment
According to sources, if Justice Varma does not resign before the monsoon session, scheduled to begin in mid-July, the government is likely to table an impeachment motion in Parliament. The move underscores the seriousness with which the government views the allegations, and its intent to protect the sanctity and credibility of the judiciary.
Minister Kiren Rijiju will play a central role in engaging with opposition parties and rallying support for the motion. The government aims to ensure that the process, if initiated, is rooted in consensus and conducted transparently.
The case has drawn national scrutiny due to the grave nature of the allegations and the involvement of the highest levels of judicial oversight. If the impeachment motion proceeds, it will be one of the rare instances in Indian parliamentary history where such action has been taken against a sitting High Court judge.
As the monsoon session approaches, the Parliament is expected to witness intense discussion and scrutiny over this matter, which could have lasting implications for the independence and integrity of the judiciary in India.
