Lok Sabha Moves Ahead with Impeachment Process Against Justice Yashwant Varma in Cash Scandal

The Lok Sabha has taken a significant step in the case involving former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma . On Tuesday, Speaker Om Birla announced the acceptance of an impeachment motion against the retired judge in connection with a sensational cash scandal , widely referred to as the “Cash Case.”

The motion, signed by 146 Members of Parliament, was presented in the Lok Sabha earlier this week. Considering the seriousness of the allegations, Speaker Birla has constituted a three-member inquiry committee to examine the charges in detail before deciding on further action.

Three-Member Inquiry Committee Formed

The investigation panel will include:

• Justice Aravind Kumar, sitting judge of the Supreme Court of India .
  
  
• Justice Maninder Mohan Shrivastava, judge of the Madras High Court.

B.V. Acharya , former Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court and a respected legal expert.

Speaker Birla emphasized that the constitution of this committee was necessary because the allegations involve serious questions about judicial integrity . He also stated that the then Chief Justice of India had advised a thorough inquiry into the matter.

“Considering the nature of the complaint and in accordance with procedure, I have approved the motion and formed an inquiry committee to investigate the removal request,” Speaker Birla announced in the Lok Sabha.

Background of the Case

The controversy dates back to this year’s Holi celebrations when a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s official bungalow in Delhi. Firefighters and police personnel, who rushed to the scene to extinguish the blaze, reportedly discovered a large quantity of partially burnt currency notes inside the premises.

Following the discovery, the Delhi High Court’s Chief Justice was informed, and the matter was escalated to the Supreme Court. The apex court subsequently transferred Justice Varma to the Allahabad High Court and initiated an internal probe into the incident.

Supreme Court’s Internal Findings

According to media reports, the Supreme Court’s internal investigation committee found the allegations against Justice Varma to be credible. This prompted the initiation of impeachment proceedings in Parliament. The impeachment motion is a rare and serious step, requiring both houses of Parliament to pass it with a special majority before it can be acted upon by the President of India.

Justice Varma’s Response

Justice Yashwant Varma has denied all allegations, calling them a “planned conspiracy” against him. In statements to the media, he has maintained that he is innocent and has been wrongfully targeted. He further expressed confidence that the truth will come out during the parliamentary and judicial inquiries.

Next Steps in the Process

The three-member committee will now investigate the matter in detail, collecting evidence, hearing witnesses, and reviewing documents. Its findings will be submitted to the Lok Sabha Speaker.

If the committee’s report upholds the allegations, the impeachment motion will move to the next stage — voting in both houses of Parliament. If approved by the required special majority, the motion will be sent to the President for final approval, which could lead to Justice Varma’s removal from his judicial position.

A Rare Step in Indian Judicial History

Impeachment of a judge in India is an extremely rare process, highlighting the seriousness of the allegations in this case. Such proceedings are designed to uphold judicial accountability and protect public trust in the judiciary.

Observers say the outcome of this investigation could set a precedent for handling similar cases in the future.

The impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma marks a significant moment in India’s legal and parliamentary history. As the inquiry committee begins its work, the nation will watch closely to see whether the allegations are proven and what consequences may follow.