The government is preparing to bring an impeachment motion against Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma in the upcoming session of Parliament, following allegations of corruption involving unaccounted cash recovered from his official residence. Efforts are underway to build consensus among all political parties before tabling the motion.
According to government sources, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju will consult leaders across party lines to garner support for the impeachment based on findings by a three-member committee appointed by the Supreme Court. The committee was set up by then Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna, who later recommended impeachment through a formal letter to the President and Prime Minister.
Justice Varma was allegedly found guilty by an internal inquiry panel of the Supreme Court after a significant amount of charred cash was discovered at his official bungalow during a fire incident over the Holi holidays. Although the panel’s detailed findings have not been made public, sources say the decision to proceed with impeachment is based on strong evidence.
The cash came to light when a fire broke out at the judge’s residence. With the judge’s family out of town, emergency services were contacted, which later led to police intervention and the discovery of the suspicious currency.
As per the Indian Constitution, impeachment of a Supreme Court or High Court judge requires a motion passed by either House of Parliament with a majority of the total membership and two-thirds of present and voting members. Upon successful passage, the President may remove the judge from office.
