- By Priyanka Koul
- Mon, 24 Mar 2025 05:00 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
The Allahabad High Court Bar Association has called on Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna to immediately recommend impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Varma. This demand comes amid growing controversy surrounding Justice Varma, including allegations of cash being discovered at his residence.
Bar Association head Anil Tiwari expressed serious concerns about Justice Varma continuing in office. He stated, "The continuance of Justice Yashwant Varma any further is dangerous for democracy, as it has eroded 'public faith,' which is the only power available to the judicial system."
Supreme Court Collegium Orders Justice Varma’s Transfer
The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the transfer of Justice Yashwant Varma from the Delhi High Court back to the Allahabad High Court. This decision was made during its meetings on 20 and March 24, 2025, as confirmed by an official statement released on Monday.
According to the statement, "The Supreme Court Collegium in its meetings held on 20th and March, 24th 2025 has recommended the repatriation of Justice Yashwant Varma, Judge, High Court of Delhi, to the High Court of Judicature at Allahabad."
Justice Varma is currently embroiled in controversy following the alleged discovery of burnt cash at his official residence. The incident came to light after a fire broke out on March 14 in the storeroom of the bungalow where he was residing.
Allahababd High Court Bar Association urges CJI Sanjiv Khanna to immediately recommend impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Varma.
— Bar and Bench (@barandbench) March 24, 2025
“…continuance of Justice Yashwant Varma any further is dangerous for the democracy as it eroded 'Public Faith' which is the only power… pic.twitter.com/nD1AqzPlZ9
An inquiry report, led by Delhi High Court Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyay, indicated that the storeroom was accessible only to the bungalow’s residents. The report also revealed that during the fire-fighting operation, large sums of burnt cash were reportedly found.
Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora later shared a video of the charred currency with CJI Sanjiv Khanna and Delhi HC Chief Justice Upadhyay, escalating concerns over the matter.
In response to the inquiry report, CJI Khanna directed Delhi HC Chief Justice Upadhyay to reassign Justice Varma’s judicial responsibilities. The Delhi High Court registry subsequently redistributed his pending cases to Justice Subramonium Prasad and Justice Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar under a revised roster.
Justice Yashwant Varma has denied all allegations, claiming that he is being "indicted and defamed in the press." Despite his denial, the developments have intensified calls for action, with the Bar Association pressing for impeachment proceedings.