Government Plans Impeachment Motion Against Justice Yashwant Varma After Panel Indictment
Sources within the government confirmed that efforts are underway to build consensus across party lines before tabling the motion;
The Centre is preparing to introduce an impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma in the upcoming session of Parliament, following his indictment by the SC-Panel set up in cash probe. Sources within the government confirmed that efforts are underway to build consensus across party lines before tabling the motion.
Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju is expected to initiate discussions with leaders of various political parties to garner support for the move.
The allegations surfaced after a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s official residence in New Delhi earlier, while he was serving at the Delhi High Court. Several sacks were uncovered filled with cash on premises, prompting a deeper probe into the matter.
Earlier, Bombay Lawyers Association approached Chief Justice of India seeking sanction to initiate criminal prosecution against Justice Varma.
More recently, Supreme Court appointed panel which indicted Justice Varma revealed that the access to storeroom where burnt cash was found, was under active control of the judge and his family.
On May 21, the Top Court declined a petition seeking registration of FIR against Justice Yashwant Varma.
Justice Varma had reportedly refused to put in resignation following his indictment by the panel.
On May 8, Former CJI Sanjiv Khanna forwarded the report submitted by 3-member committee to the President of India. The panel submitted its report to the outgoing CJI on May 4, indicting Justice Varma.