The opposition has extended its support to the government in its move to impeach Justice Yashwant Varma, from whose official residence a significant amount of cash was recovered earlier this year, according to sources. The government is likely to bring forward a formal proposal for his removal during the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament.
The Monsoon Session is scheduled to take place from July 21 to August 12. Justice Varma was serving in the Delhi High Court at the time of the incident, but was subsequently transferred to the Allahabad High Court after the matter came to light. In line with parliamentary procedures for initiating impeachment proceedings against a sitting judge, at least 100 Lok Sabha MPs must sign the motion before it can be considered. Sources indicate that efforts are already underway to gather the necessary signatures from Members of Parliament.
Once the motion is tabled, an inquiry committee will be constituted to investigate the charges in detail, sources said. A panel appointed by the Supreme Court to look into the matter had earlier submitted its findings to the Centre. According to the report, there was “sufficient substance” in the allegations levelled against Justice Varma, and the panel recommended his removal from office.
Also Read: Resignation only option left with Justice Yashwant Varma
The incident came to light on March 14, when a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s official residence in Delhi. During the subsequent inspection, authorities discovered a large pile of cash—including stacks of burnt currency notes as high as 1.5 feet—scattered across a storeroom in the house. At the time, Justice Varma was not present at the residence. The matter was immediately reported to the then Chief Justice of India, following which the Supreme Court ordered his transfer to Allahabad High Court and constituted a special inquiry panel.
The panel’s investigation involved examining 55 witnesses and concluded that Justice Varma and his family members had “covert or active control” over the storeroom where the cash was found. The judge failed to offer a credible explanation for the source of the money and claimed instead that it was part of a conspiracy against him. Based on the panel’s findings, former Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna wrote to President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, recommending Justice Varma’s impeachment.
If the motion is passed during the Monsoon Session, it would mark a rare and serious disciplinary step against a sitting judge, reflecting the gravity of the charges involved.
Also Read: SC panel recommends impeachment of Justice Varma over cash haul
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