Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court has tendered his resignation to the President of India while a parliamentary inquiry is underway. The resignation comes after the Lok Sabha formed a three‑member committee under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 to probe the alleged discovery of unaccounted cash at his residence.
Key Developments
- On 10 April 2026, Justice Varma submitted his resignation letter to the President; a copy was also sent to the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant.
- The resignation was submitted while the inquiry committee, constituted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, was examining the cash‑at‑home controversy.
- The committee comprises Justice Arvind Kumar (Supreme Court), Justice Shree Chandrashekhar (Bombay High Court) and Vasudeva Acharya (Senior Advocate).
- The inquiry was triggered after an impeachment motion signed by 146 Lok Sabha members sought Justice Varma’s removal.
- The controversy stems from a March 14, 2025 fire‑fighting operation that uncovered a large pile of currency notes in an outhouse of Varma’s official residence, then when he served at the Delhi High Court.
- Varma’s earlier petition challenging the Speaker’s order to set up the committee was dismissed earlier in 2026.
Important Facts
- Resignation effective immediately; no detailed reasons disclosed.
- Letter emphasizes honour in serving the judiciary but avoids burdening the President with specifics.
- The inquiry process under the impeachment mechanism can lead to removal if the committee recommends it and Parliament votes accordingly.
- All three committee members are senior judicial figures, ensuring procedural propriety.
UPSC Relevance
The episode illustrates the checks and balances between the legislative and judicial branches. Aspirants should note:
- The role of the Lok Sabha in exercising oversight over the judiciary through the Judges (Inquiry) Act.
- The constitutional provision for impeachment of judges, reflecting judicial accountability.
- The interaction between the President, the Chief Justice of India, and parliamentary committees in matters of judicial conduct.
- Understanding the hierarchy: Supreme Court, High Courts, and the position of Senior Advocates.
Way Forward
While Justice Varma’s resignation halts the immediate impeachment process, the committee will likely submit its findings, setting a precedent for future judicial accountability cases. UPSC candidates should monitor any subsequent parliamentary debates or Supreme Court rulings on the scope of the Judges (Inquiry) Act, as they may influence reforms in judicial oversight mechanisms.