The Union government is preparing to introduce an impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court in the upcoming Parliament session.
The development comes after a Supreme Court-appointed probe panel reportedly found incriminating evidence linked to the recovery of a large amount of burnt cash from Justice Varmaās official residence in Delhi. The scandal has triggered significant political and judicial ripples.
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju is expected to hold consultations with leaders across party lines before proceeding with the formal motion. Sources also revealed that the Chief Justice of India, Justice Sanjiv Khanna, has recommended Justice Varmaās impeachment to the President and Prime Minister. This followed an internal inquiry initiated by the Supreme Court, which found enough cause to consider the drastic step.
The Chief Justice had also privately advised Justice Varma to resign in light of the findings, but the judge declined to do so, sources said.
The controversy first erupted following media reports on the discovery of the cash, leading to immediate internal action. A preliminary inquiry was conducted by Delhi High Court Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya. Subsequently, Justice Varma was stripped of his judicial responsibilities and transferred from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court.
On March 24, the Supreme Court collegium recommended Justice Varma’s repatriation to his parent court, and just days later, on March 28, the apex court directed the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court not to allocate any judicial duties to him.
Justice Varma has consistently denied all allegations against him.
As the matter progresses toward an unprecedented impeachment process, all eyes are on Parliament and the broader implications this may have on judicial accountability in India.
