Key Takeaways:
✔ SC dismisses plea – Justice Varma’s challenge against the in-house inquiry rejected.
✔ Probe upheld – Bench confirms legal validity of CJI-led investigation into cash allegations.
✔ No constitutional breach – Court rules inquiry doesn’t violate judicial safeguards.
Supreme Court Backs In-House Probe, Rejects Justice Varma’s Plea in Cash Row
In a significant ruling, the Supreme Court on Thursday dismissed a petition filed by Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, who had challenged an in-house inquiry into allegations of unaccounted cash discovered at his official residence in Delhi earlier this year.
A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and A.G. Masih upheld the probe’s legality, stating that Justice Varma’s conduct during the proceedings “did not inspire confidence.” The court also addressed constitutional concerns raised by the judge, affirming that the inquiry followed due process.
Key Findings of the Judgment
The bench clarified several legal questions:
- Legality of the Probe: The court ruled that the Chief Justice of India (CJI)-led committee acted within its authority, except for a minor procedural lapse in not uploading video footage of the alleged burnt cash—a step deemed unnecessary.
- No Parallel Mechanism: Justice Varma had argued that the in-house inquiry was an “extra-constitutional mechanism,” but the SC rejected this, stating it was a valid disciplinary process.
- Constitutional Validity: The bench dismissed claims that the probe violated Articles 125, 217, or 218 of the Constitution, emphasizing judicial accountability.
Background of the Case
The controversy began in March 2024, when authorities reportedly found unaccounted cash at Justice Varma’s residence during a fire incident. Following an impeachment motion, an in-house committee indicted him, prompting his legal challenge.
The Supreme Court’s verdict reinforces the judiciary’s internal oversight mechanisms, signaling that judges are not exempt from scrutiny. Legal experts suggest this could set a precedent for handling similar allegations in the future.
Leave a Reply