The Allahabad High Court Bar Association President called the impeachment move against Justice Yashwant Varma “the victory of the public,” saying it restores trust in the judiciary and shows that people’s voices have truly been heard.
New Delhi: Allahabad High Court Bar Association President Anil Tiwari praised the Union Government’s reported decision to initiate impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Varma over the alleged recovery of money from his residence, describing it as a “victory for the public.”
Tiwari stated that the motion enhances public trust in the judiciary.
Tiwari told in response to reports about the impeachment motion against Justice Varma,
“This is the victory of the public at large as the trust of the public is the foundation of the power of the Judiciary… Because of this motion, the public will feel that the former CJI and the government have heard their voice,”
He added,
“It is a step towards the victory of the public and the cause… I appeal to all the political parties to vote in favour of the impeachment,”
Earlier this month, the Supreme Court declined to entertain a plea seeking the registration of an FIR against Justice Yashwant Varma regarding the allegations.
A bench led by Justice Abhay S Oka suggested that the petitioner, Advocate Mathews J Nedumpara, should first file a representation to the Prime Minister and the President of India before approaching the Supreme Court.
The bench stated before dismissing the plea,
“File representation before those authorities first calling them to take action, then file writ seeking mandamus,”
The Court noted that, according to a press release from the Supreme Court on May 8, the in-house inquiry committee had submitted its report, which was forwarded to the Prime Minister and the President of India.
The Court was not inclined to consider the submissions in the plea, as it believed the matter had already been initiated according to the official procedure.
Justice Oka stated,
“You don’t know the contents of the report (inquiry committee report), even we don’t know. The CJI has sent the report to the Prime Minister and President,”
The Court thus suggested that the counsel file a representation with those authorities first before moving a petition in the Supreme Court seeking directions.
On May 4, a panel of judges assigned to conduct an internal inquiry into allegations of cash being found at Justice Yashwant Varma’s official residence submitted its report to then Chief Justice of India, Sanjiv Khanna.
On the evening of March 14th, a fire erupted at Justice Varma’s Delhi residence. While Justice Varma and his wife were traveling in Madhya Pradesh, his daughter and elderly mother were present when the fire broke out. Firefighters responding to the scene reportedly discovered a substantial amount of unaccounted cash.
A video subsequently emerged depicting bundles of currency engulfed in flames, sparking allegations of corruption against Justice Varma. He refuted these accusations, suggesting a conspiracy to discredit him.
In response, the Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) launched an internal investigation, forming a three-member committee on March 22nd to conduct an inquiry.
The Delhi Police Commissioner shared the video of the burnt cash with the Chief Justice of the High Court. The Supreme Court later released the video to the public. In an unusual move, the Supreme Court also published a report from the Delhi High Court Chief Justice concerning the incident, along with Justice Varma’s reply.
The Supreme Court Collegium’s decision to transfer Justice Varma amid this controversy faced significant opposition from lawyers’ associations in Uttar Pradesh. However, the Central government approved the transfer on March 28.
The Central Government announced the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma of the Delhi High Court back to his original position at the Allahabad High Court.
This decision followed a recommendation from the Supreme Court Collegium made on March 24.
Additionally, The Supreme Court of India directed the Chief Justice of the Allahabad High Court not to assign any judicial responsibilities to Justice Yashwant Varma.