Government Evaluates Impeachment Motion Against Justice Yashwant Varma Amid Probe Findings

The Union government is contemplating an impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court. This follows a Supreme Court-appointed panel's findings of burnt cash at his official residence in Delhi. The government may introduce this motion in Parliament during the Monsoon Session if Justice Varma does not resign voluntarily.

Justice Varma, previously with the Delhi High Court, was sent back to the Allahabad High Court after the incident. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna had recommended his impeachment to both the president and prime minister. Despite being urged to resign, Justice Varma refused, according to sources.

Impeachment Process and Political Consensus

An impeachment motion requires signatures from 50 Rajya Sabha members or 100 Lok Sabha members. If passed by a two-thirds majority, the Lok Sabha speaker or Rajya Sabha chairman requests the CJI to appoint a Supreme Court judge and a high court chief justice for a probe committee. The government also nominates an eminent jurist to this panel.

Government sources emphasise the need for bipartisan support before proceeding against Justice Varma. They plan to consult opposition parties on the motion's draft, which includes findings from the three-member committee that investigated the cash discovery.

Justice Varma's Stance and Government's Next Steps

Justice Varma maintains his innocence, denying any connection to the cash found after a fire at his outhouse. Despite this, political parties across the spectrum have criticised him. A final decision on moving forward with impeachment is expected soon, as ignoring such a scandal is challenging, according to a source.

The formal process for action against Justice Varma has not yet commenced. However, if initiated, it could be presented in either house of Parliament. The government aims for broad support for the motion, reflecting its seriousness about addressing judicial misconduct.

The government's decision will consider input from various political parties to ensure comprehensive backing. This approach underscores the importance of maintaining integrity within the judiciary while respecting due process.

With inputs from PTI