The Supreme Court on Thursday rejected Justice Yashwant Varma’s plea challenging an internal investigation report that suggested he should be removed from his post. The report came after a large amount of cash was found at his home earlier this year. The verdict allows the Parliament to move forward quickly with impeachment proceedings against the judge. He had also objected to the former Chief Justice of India’s recommendation to the President to remove him.
What is worth noting here is that the bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih ruled that the formation of the in-house committee and the way it carried out the investigation were not against the law.
‘Conduct does not inspire confidence’: SC tells Varma
Questioning Justice Yashwant Varma’s conduct, the Supreme Court said it “does not inspire confidence.” Justices Dipankar Datta and AG Masih also noted that not giving Justice Varma a personal hearing before the Chief Justice recommended his removal did not violate any rule, as such a hearing is not a guaranteed right.
The court was hearing Justice Varma’s plea to cancel the findings of an in-house inquiry panel, which found him guilty of misconduct after a large amount of burnt cash was discovered at his official residence in Delhi on March 14. The cash was found during a fire-fighting operation while he was serving as a Delhi High Court judge.
‘Chief Justice not just a post office’: SC
The in-house panel report was sent by the Chief Justice to the Prime Minister and the President, recommending Justice Varma’s removal. The Supreme Court earlier stated that the Chief Justice is not just a “post office” but has responsibilities to act in cases of judicial misconduct.
The Centre is now expected to bring an impeachment motion in Parliament to remove Justice Varma from office. The Supreme Court had reserved its verdict in the case on July 30.