‘Conduct Questionable’: Court Rejects Justice Varma’s Petition Against In-House Inquiry Report
The Supreme Court has turned down Justice Yashwant Varma’s petition challenging the in-house inquiry report and the CJI’s recommendation for his removal, terming his conduct as “questionable.”
In a major setback for Justice Varma, the Apex Court on Thursday dismissed his writ petition against the in-house inquiry report that held him responsible in the unaccounted cash controversy, along with the recommendation by the Chief Justice of India for his removal.
A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and A.G. Masih upheld the legitimacy of the internal inquiry system and remarked that the judge’s behaviour was “questionable.”
The court further noted that although the uploading of the inquiry video was inappropriate, since it was not challenged in time, no relief could be provided on that basis.
Justice Varma had approached the Supreme Court in an attempt to nullify the findings of the internal panel and the related recommendation made by the Chief Justice.
The investigation had connected him to alleged misconduct involving unaccounted money and financial discrepancies.
In his petition, Justice Varma stated that the principles of natural justice were not followed and that he was not given a fair opportunity to present his side.
He also claimed that the then CJI Sanjeev Khanna had denied him a personal hearing.
Justice Yashwant Varma Controversy
A fire that broke out at Justice Varma’s residence in the national capital in March this year, while he was serving at the Delhi High Court, led to the discovery of multiple sacks of cash in the outhouse.
Following this, he was repatriated to the Allahabad High Court, and an internal probe ordered by CJI Khanna found him guilty.
Despite denying any involvement, the enquiry panel, constituted by a Supreme Court-appointed committee, concluded that Varma and his family members had “covert or active control” over the storeroom where the cash was discovered — pointing to serious misconduct, warranting his removal.
As Varma refused to step down, CJI Khanna forwarded the matter to the President of India and the Prime Minister.
