Speaking at the 6th Ram Jethmalani Memorial Lecture, Senior Advocate Harish Salve asked why no criminal case was registered after burnt cash was found at a judge’s residence, and argued that judicial independence cannot mean immunity from accountability. Justice Varma denies wrongdoing and no criminal charge has ever been brought.
Kapil Sibal criticized the Supreme Court’s internal report on Justice Varma, asserting it lacks constitutional authority for impeachment. He emphasized that investigations into judges must follow the Judges Inquiry Act, accusing the government of misusing the process. Sibal lamented the selective treatment of judges and insisted only Parliament can initiate impeachment motions.
Justice Yashwant Varma faces impeachment proceedings after a Supreme Court committee found serious misconduct, including unexplained burnt cash at his residence. The committee determined he did not adequately explain the cash’s origins and recommended removal. The Supreme Court has since transferred him but not assigned new duties, leaving further action to the government.
Congress MP Manish Tewari moved an adjournment motion in the Lok Sabha, calling for a discussion on alleged irregularities in the higher judiciary. Emphasizing the gravity of the issue, he urged the government to provide a comprehensive statement on the matter. Tewari stated that the issue holds national importance as it directly impacts the integrity, impartiality, and fairness of judicial processes. His motion seeks to bring transparency and accountability to the judicial system.
Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar recently stated in the House that an impeachment notice against Allahabad High Court Judge Justice Shekhar Yadav, submitted by Opposition MPs in December last year, is still pending with him. He emphasized that only Parliament has the constitutional authority to remove a High Court judge.