Justice Yashwant Varma Faces Impeachment Over Cash
Justice Yashwant Varma is facing calls for impeachment after large amounts of unaccounted cash were found at his official residence in Delhi. The discovery occurred in March 2025 following a fire at his government-allotted bungalow in Tughlak Crescent. As fire personnel battled the blaze, they stumbled upon stacks of burnt currency notes—some reportedly piled up to 1.5 feet—in a storeroom located inside the property.
What raised further suspicion was that this storeroom was under the “exclusive and active” control of Justice Varma and his family. The source of the cash remains unexplained, as he has not provided any verifiable justification for its presence.
SC Panel Recommends Impeachment Proceedings
In response to the incident, the Supreme Court of India constituted a three-judge committee to investigate the matter. After an internal inquiry, the committee concluded that Justice Varma’s conduct constituted serious judicial impropriety. According to the report, he could not explain the origin of the currency, and instead gave only a blanket denial while suggesting that he was being framed.
The panel found his explanation not just inadequate but indicative of a deeper issue that could undermine public trust in the judiciary. As a result, the committee recommended that impeachment proceedings be initiated against him.
Government Weighs Impeachment Motion in Parliament
Based on the findings of the judicial panel, the central government is considering bringing an impeachment motion against Justice Varma in the upcoming monsoon session of Parliament. For impeachment to proceed, the motion will require substantial support in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha.
While impeachment of judges is rare in India, this case could become one of the very few where Parliament deliberates on the removal of a sitting High Court judge for misconduct.
Justice Varma Denies Charges, Remains Unassigned
Justice Varma has denied all allegations and claims he is the target of a larger conspiracy. Despite the damning report, he has not tendered his resignation. He has since been transferred from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court, but notably, he has not been assigned any judicial work since the findings surfaced.
This case has reignited conversations around transparency and accountability in the Indian judiciary and may set a precedent for how alleged misconduct by members of the bench is addressed in the future.
