Speaker to Begin Justice Varma Removal Process
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla and Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh have initiated the process to consider the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court. This step follows serious allegations related to the recovery of unaccounted cash from his official residence in Delhi.
Notices Filed in Both Houses
Over 140 Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha and more than 60 in the Rajya Sabha have submitted notices seeking Justice Varma’s removal. As per constitutional procedure, when such notices are received in both Houses, a committee is formed under the Judges (Inquiry) Act to investigate the allegations.
Probe Panel to be Set Up
The committee will likely include a judge from the Supreme Court, a High Court Chief Justice, and a distinguished jurist. Its mandate is to evaluate the evidence and submit its report within three months. Based on the findings, Parliament will then decide whether to proceed with a formal impeachment motion.
Legal Challenge and Supreme Court Developments
Justice Varma has challenged the process in the Supreme Court. The Chief Justice of India has recused himself from the case, and a new bench is expected to be constituted to hear the petition. The outcome of this legal challenge may influence the timing and scope of the parliamentary process.
Political Ramifications
The development has also triggered political speculation, with some linking recent resignations in Parliament to differences over handling the issue. The proceedings mark a rare attempt to remove a sitting judge through impeachment — a process requiring strong legal and political consensus.
