Removal of Justice Verma Begins in Parliament

A fire that revealed the suspicious currency in the house of Justice Yashwant Varma of Allahabad High Court triggered the impeachment procedure against the aspect of rare impeachment cases in Parliament. The move, backed by MPs of various parties, was triggered by the inquiry by the Supreme Court. It has been one of the earliest steps of judicial accountability since Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita. Article 124 (4) constitutional process and Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968 are currently being stood by. The case is about striking the proper balance between the respect of judicial independence and accountability to the people.

Key Points for RAS Mains

Context

• Event : Impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Verma
• Date: 21 July 2025
• Place: The Indian Parliament
• Key Stakeholders: Lok Sabha MPs, Rajya Sabha MPs, Sc Inquiry Committee

Background

• Justice Yashwant Varma went to Allahabad High Court following the controversy connected to currency.
• Half-burnt currency notes were found on discovery of a fire at his Delhi-home on 14 March 2025.
• An investigative committee, headed by a Supreme Court panel consisting of three members, had probed into it, and gave a report to the President.

Constitutional and Legal Framework

Parliamentary Requirements:

• 100 MPs in Lok Sabha or 50 in Rajya Sabha must sign the notice for it to be considered.

Impeachment Procedure

• Motion Filed: Enough Houses in the MPs.
• Committee on admissibility: Conducted by Speaker (Lok Sabha) or Chairman (Rajya Sabha).
• Inquiry Committee: This body consists of a judge of the Supreme Court, a CJ of the High Court and a senior jurist.
• 3 Months Report: Establishes whether charges are valid.
• Vote of Parliament: Special majority by the two Houses.
• Presidential Approval: In case of its passing, the President is able to eliminate the judge.

The Case Significance

• Post-BNS: Among the earliest post Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (2024) judicial investigations.
• Bipartisan Action: Shows that there are serious allegations that have bipartisan support.
• Public Confidence: This creates a good signal on accountability of the judges.

Problems of Judicial Impeachment

• High Bar: Special majorities are required and such an effort is hardly successful.
• General Failure There was lack of precedence with the case of Justice V. Ramaswami (the 1990s) due to a political confrontation.
• Politicization Risk: Accountability should not interfere with judicial independence.

Way Forward

• Courts: Suggest a National Judicial Complaints Commission.
• Transparency: Increase inquiry proceedings to come under public scrutiny.
• Ethical Code: Write up and enforce an official judicial code of conduct.

Conclusion for RPSC

The television coverage of the impeachment process against Justice Yashwant Varma marks an event in the democratic operation of India, namely how to keep the judiciary independent but accountable. This case deserves transparent and legitimate treatment, as the latter aspect will enhance the confidence of the population and support the constitutional commitment of checks and balances.