SC Says Justice Varma’s Petition Was Improperly Filed
The Supreme Court on July 28 criticized Justice Yashwant Varma for filing a petition challenging an internal inquiry that had already concluded with findings against him. A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and A.G. Masih remarked that “this petition shouldn’t have been filed,” noting serious procedural lapses, including misnaming of respondents and failure to submit the core inquiry report with the plea.
Fire, Cash, and a Judicial Controversy
The controversy began in March 2025 when a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s official residence in Delhi. During firefighting operations, officials reportedly discovered bags of partially burnt currency in a storage room. Justice Varma denied any knowledge of the cash and described the matter as an orchestrated conspiracy to frame him.
In response, a three-judge in-house inquiry panel was constituted. By early May, the panel submitted its report concluding there was strong circumstantial evidence linking Justice Varma to the storage area. The panel further expressed concern over his inability to provide any satisfactory explanation. These findings led to a recommendation for impeachment proceedings, which were subsequently initiated in Parliament.
Justice Varma Challenges Inquiry Process
Represented by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, Justice Varma argued that the entire in-house process lacked fairness. He claimed he was not given access to the evidence used against him and was not formally notified of the allegations in advance. He said he joined the inquiry hoping to clear his name, not realizing that it would be used to initiate removal proceedings.
SC Raises Doubts on Maintainability
The Supreme Court questioned why Justice Varma waited until the inquiry was completed to challenge its validity. The bench also noted that basic procedural norms were overlooked in the petition—such as proper identification of parties and accurate listing of respondents.
The Court allowed corrections and posted the matter for further hearing on July 30. Meanwhile, impeachment notices have been tabled in both Houses of Parliament. Justice Varma has been relieved of all judicial work and transferred to the Allahabad High Court pending further proceedings.
