Centre to introduce impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma: Rijiju

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday (July 20) said that the government plans to introduce an impeachment motion against Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma in the upcoming session of Parliament.

Rijiju said over 100 MPs have already signed the motion.

Also read: Govt may move impeachment motion against Justice Varma in Monsoon Session: Reports

‘Decision of all parties’

“The government will bring an impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma in this session. MPs have signed the motion for impeachment," India Today quoted Rijiju as saying.

When asked about the timeline, he said, “In the Justice Varma case, the process will be undertaken together by all parties. This is not the move by the government alone.”

“I can’t comment on any business in terms of priority until and unless the matter is passed by the BAC (Business Advisory Committee) with the approval of the chair. It is difficult to make an announcement outside,” he said.

About the row

A massive row was triggered after a substantial amount of burnt cash was discovered by emergency responders in the aftermath of a fire at Justice Varma’s Delhi residence.

Also read: SC panel finds 'undeniable' proof of cash found in Justice Varma's home; seeks his removal

Varma had claimed ignorance about the cash and called the recovery a conspiracy against him. He was later transferred from the Supreme Court to the Allahabad High Court and has not been assigned any judicial work ever since.

Panel report

On March 22, a three-member panel led by then CJI Sanjv Khanna found credence in allegations of misconduct against Varma.

The panel in its report, submitted on May 4, said that Justice Varma failed to explain the source of the cash, deeming the misconduct serious enough to warrant impeachment proceedings.

Also read: Cash discovery row: CJI shares inquiry report, Justice Varma's response with President, PM

However, after Justice Varma refused to resign despite the Supreme Court’s recommendation, then CJI Khanna had written to the president and prime minister, urging for measures for his removal.