Archive · 19 Jun 2025
Panel Recommends Judge Varma Removal for Alleged Misconduct
A judge's house had a fire, and burnt money was found in a storage room.
A team looked into it, finding the judge and family controlled the room where the money was.
They believe the judge did something wrong, like hiding the money, which breaks judicial rules.
Because of this, the team suggested removing him.
The country's top judge then recommended to the President and Prime Minister that they remove the judge from his position.
A panel found Justice Yashwant Varma and his family had control of a store room where burnt cash was discovered.
The investigation followed a fire at Justice Varma's official residence on March 14.
The panel reviewed statements from 55 witnesses, including Justice Varma and his daughter.
The panel's report recommended Justice Varma's removal, citing judicial misconduct.
Former Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna recommended impeachment to the President and Prime Minister.
- Who
- The panel investigated Justice Yashwant Varma. The panel included Chief Justice Sheel Nagu, Chief Justice G S Sandhawalia, and Justice Anu Sivaraman.
- What
- A panel found Justice Yashwant Varma and his family had control over a store room where burnt cash was found.
- When
- The fire occurred on March 14.
- Where
- The fire and investigation took place at Justice Varma's official residence in New Delhi.
- Why
- The panel found Justice Varma and family members had control over a store room where burnt cash was found, leading to recommendations for his removal for misconduct and breach of trust.
Justice Varma
Inquiry Panel
Control of Store Room
Justice Varma
Justice Varma said the entrance of the store room was constantly monitored by CCTV cameras and was under control of security personnel, making it improbable that cash was kept in the store room.
Inquiry Panel
The inquiry panel concluded that Justice Varma and his family had 'covert or active control' over the store room and the evidence established that the burnt cash/money was removed.
- Judge's Name
- Yashwant Varma
- Location of Fire
- 30 Tughlak Crescent, New Delhi
- Date of Fire
- March 14
- Panel Head
- Chief Justice Sheel Nagu
- Panel's Recommendation
- Impeachment
- Witnesses Examined
- 55
