Supreme Court reserves verdict on Justice Varma’s plea against impeachment recommendation

New Delhi, Jul 30: The Supreme Court on Wednesday reserved its verdict on a petition filed by Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, who challenged the recommendation for his removal after a large sum of unaccounted cash was found at his Delhi residence. A Bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih questioned the delay in Justice Varma approaching the Court and said his conduct “did not inspire confidence.” The Court also hinted it may not intervene, noting that the matter is now before Parliament, reports Bar & Bech. “Why should we decide whether it’s your money or not? That wasn’t the committee’s remit. Let Parliament decide,” the Bench remarked, according to Bar & Bench.

Justice Varma argued that the in-house inquiry against him was initiated without a formal complaint and that public disclosure of the allegations subjected him to a media trial.

The cash was discovered after a fire at his residence on March 14. A video showing bundles of burning cash went viral, leading to a judicial inquiry. A committee set up by then CJI Sanjiv Khanna submitted its report in May, after which the CJI recommended Justice Varma’s removal to the President. Justice Varma claims this violated due process and constitutional provisions. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Justice Varma, said the in-house committee’s findings cannot be used to initiate impeachment proceedings, arguing that only Parliament, under Article 124 and the Judges Inquiry Act, can do so. The Court asked Sibal to focus on the constitutional challenge and questioned why the plea was filed so late. “If you knew impeachment could follow, why didn’t you come earlier?” the Bench asked. The Court has now reserved its judgment. (Source: Bar & Bench)