Supreme Court holds that in-house inquiries against judges are valid despite the 1985 Protection Act. Justice Yashwant Varma’s challenge to the probe process was rejected.
The offices of Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar have not received a report regarding Justice Yashwant Varma, delaying possible impeachment proceedings linked to cash found at his residence. The government is proceeding cautiously, waiting to see if Varma resigns before taking further action.
The Lokpal has dismissed a corruption complaint against former Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, citing lack of jurisdiction. The anti-corruption Inspector clarified that sitting judges and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court do not fall within its purview under Section 14 of the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act. This provision restricts the Lokpal’s authority to probe complaints against such high-ranking judicial officials.
The Supreme Court of India, established on January 28, 1950, evolved from historic legal reforms starting with the Regulating Act of 1773. Governed by a collegium system for appointments, it plays a pivotal role in upholding the Constitution’s supremacy. Judges are appointed based on seniority and established eligibility criteria, ensuring judicial integrity.
