The Union government is expected to introduce an impeachment motion against former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma during the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. This decision follows the indictment of Justice Varma by a Supreme Court-appointed probe panel after a large sum of burnt cash was discovered at his official residence in the national capital.
Reports indicate that the impeachment move comes in the wake of the probe panel’s findings concerning the recovery of unaccounted cash at Justice Varma’s residence. Previously serving at the Delhi High Court, Varma was repatriated to the Allahabad High Court. Although he was asked to resign in light of the controversy, he refused to do so.
He was officially transferred on March 20 and took oath as a judge at the Allahabad High Court on April 5, but since then, he has not been assigned any judicial work.
The then Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, had formally written to the President of India and the Prime Minister, recommending the initiation of impeachment proceedings against Justice Varma. This recommendation came after an in-house inquiry panel, set up by the Supreme Court, indicted Varma. However, the findings of this panel have not been made public.
Justice Varma has consistently denied any involvement or knowledge related to the cash found after a fire broke out at his outhouse, asserting his innocence. In a notable development, the Union government is also contemplating consulting opposition parties before formally moving the impeachment motion. This step is aimed at building consensus, as Justice Varma’s case has triggered widespread criticism cutting across party lines.
Also Read: CJI sends cash row report, Justice Varma's reply to Prez, PM
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