Impeachment Motion Against Judge Yashwant Varma: Parliament Ignites Historic Push for Removal
Motions to impeach Allahabad High Court Judge Yashwant Varma, who is accused of misconduct after unaccounted cash was found at his Delhi home, have been tabled by opposition MPs in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha in a dramatic escalation that has engulfed India’s political and judicial arenas. In a rare and serious challenge to judicial integrity, Rajya Sabha Chairman Jagdeep Dhankhar confirmed on July 21, 2025, that the impeachment process is now formally under way. This action could redefine accountability in India’s judiciary with bipartisan support and national attention, posing serious concerns about transparency, trust, and the rule of law.
When charred currency notes from a fire at Justice Varma’s official residence in Delhi were discovered in March 2025, accusations of corruption sparked the controversy. Varma was indicted by a three-member panel appointed by the Supreme Court, which was presided over by Chief Justice Sanjiv Khanna at the time. The panel cited “strong inferential evidence” of misconduct and Varma’s failure to provide an explanation for the origin of the cash. Varma, who was moved from the Delhi High Court to the Allahabad High Court, has denied any wrongdoing, claimed a conspiracy, and contested the fairness of the investigation in a Supreme Court petition, despite being urged to step down. With more than 50 Rajya Sabha MPs and 152 Lok Sabha MPs—including well-known individuals like Rahul Gandhi, Anurag Thakur, and Supriya Sule—signing the motions under Articles 124, 217, and 218 in response to his defiance, the impeachment movement has gained momentum.
In India’s history, no High Court judge has ever been removed through the impeachment process, which is governed by the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968. Chairman Dhankhar and Speaker Om Birla have approved the motions, which have received the necessary 50 Rajya Sabha and 100 Lok Sabha signatures. Varma will now have the chance to defend himself before a three-member inquiry committee that includes a Supreme Court judge, a High Court Chief Justice, and a renowned jurist. If convicted, a two-thirds majority in both Houses must approve the motion, which would result in a removal order from the President.
There has been a lot of discussion about the case. Bipartisan agreement has been highlighted by Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, who has framed the issue as one of judicial accountability rather than politics. Opposition figures, such as Kapil Sibal, have expressed dissatisfaction with the procedure, claiming that it was biased in contrast to Shekhar Yadav, another judge who was charged with making offensive remarks about the community. Supporters contend that parliamentary action is required because Varma has refused to step down, while critics caution that ignoring the Judges (Inquiry) Act or depending only on the internal report could compromise judicial independence.
The impeachment motion against Varma is a test of India’s dedication to judicial integrity as the Monsoon Session progresses amid other controversies, such as the Income Tax Bill 2025 and Operation Sindoor. Will this momentous process strengthen rifts or restore public trust? The country is waiting to see how this extraordinary tale turns out.
