Lok Sabha panel urges action against Justice Varma over undisclosed cash hoard
A parliamentary inquiry led by a Supreme Court judge concluded that Justice Yashwant Varma failed to explain a large cache of 500-rupee notes found at his Delhi residence and recommended legal steps.
A committee appointed by the Lok Sabha Speaker, headed by Supreme Court judge Aravind Kumar, released a 121-page report stating that Justice Yashwant Varma could not account for a pile of 500-rupee notes discovered at his official Delhi residence in March last year. The panel deemed his explanations evasive, incomplete and misleading, and affirmed that all three accusations against him were substantiated. Varma withdrew from the inquiry and resigned from his post at the Allahabad High Court before presenting any supporting evidence.
The committee recommended that further action be taken in accordance with law, leaving open the possibility of parliamentary removal despite his resignation. Sources indicated that a Central Bureau of Investigation probe could also be considered. The findings are expected to be debated in the next parliamentary session.
Why it matters
The case raises questions about judicial accountability and potential parliamentary power to remove a judge.
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