Justice Yashwant Varma challenges the in-house committee report; the Supreme Court to hear his impeachment-related plea on Monday, July 28. A major row over judicial procedure and accountability unfolds.
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NEW DELHI: The controversy about Justice Yashwant Varma, a sitting judge of the Allahabad High Court, has taken a crucial turn as the Supreme Court of India is set to hear his plea on Monday, July 28, 2025.
Background
The matter arose from a fire at Justice Varma’s official residence in Delhi on March 14, which allegedly led to the discovery of large amounts of unaccounted cash. Videos surfaced online showing bundles of currency notes burning in the fire, which led to immediate suspicions of corruption. Subsequently, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna invoked the in-house procedure and constituted a three-member committee to investigate the matter.
The committee comprised:
- Justice Sheel Nagu (Chief Justice, Punjab & Haryana HC)
- Justice GS Sandhawalia (Chief Justice, Himachal Pradesh HC)
- Justice Anu Sivaraman (Judge, Karnataka HC)
The panel began its probe on March 25 and submitted its final report on May 3, which was forwarded to the President of India by CJI Khanna with a recommendation for Justice Varma’s removal from office.
Justice Varma’s Claim
Justice Varma has now approached the Supreme Court, contesting the legality and fairness of the entire process. His plea makes several serious claims:
- The invocation of in-house procedures was improper in the absence of a formal complaint.
- The press release disclosing the proceedings and allegations violated confidentiality and led to a media trial.
- The committee allegedly did not inform him of its procedural rules, thus violating principles of natural justice.
- He claims he was denied an opportunity to respond to the evidence.
- Regarding the cash discovery, he argues that the ownership and exact amount were never properly established, leaving a major gap in the committee’s findings.
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Furthermore, Justice Varma alleges that then CJI Khanna pressured him to either resign or opt for voluntary retirement, warning him of the removal process.
Upcoming Hearing
Chief Justice BR Gavai, who initially was scheduled to hear the case, recused himself, citing his prior involvement in the preliminary stages of the in-house probe. He stated,
“It will not be possible for me to take up this matter because I was also part of the committee.”
The matter is now scheduled before a Bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih.
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