The Supreme Court has raised serious questions over the procedure followed in initiating impeachment proceedings against Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma and has issued notices to the Lok Sabha Speaker and the secretariats of both Houses of Parliament.
Justice Varma has approached the apex court challenging the decision to form a committee to investigate allegations against him, arguing that the process was rushed and did not follow the steps required by law. A bench led by Justice Dipankar Datta observed that the concerns raised appeared significant and asked how such lapses went unnoticed despite the involvement of senior officials and legal experts.
The controversy traces back to a fire at Justice Varma&rsquo;s Delhi residence in March, during which firefighters reportedly found large amounts of cash. Although the judge and his wife were out of the city at the time, visuals of burning currency later surfaced, triggering allegations of corruption. Justice Varma has denied all allegations, claiming he is being framed.
An internal inquiry by senior judges later recommended his removal. Based on that report, the government moved Parliament to begin impeachment proceedings. The Lok Sabha Speaker accepted a motion signed by over 140 MPs and set up a three-member committee to probe the matter.
Justice Varma, however, has challenged this step, saying the committee was formed without waiting for a similar motion in the Rajya Sabha to be formally accepted. According to him, both Houses must act together before such a panel can be set up. The Supreme Court appeared to agree that this issue needs closer examination.
The judge has also said that despite seeking copies of the motions and related decisions, he has not received proper responses from Parliament. While the committee has asked him to submit his defence and appear before it later this month, the Supreme Court is expected to hear his challenge in early January.
Earlier, the apex court had rejected Justice Varma&rsquo;s plea against the internal inquiry report. However, this fresh petition focuses on whether the impeachment process itself followed the correct procedure.
The case now places the spotlight on how sensitive proceedings against sitting judges are handled, with the Supreme Court emphasising that any deviation from due process could have serious constitutional implications.

SC Questions Process in Justice Varma Impeachment

Top court flags lapses, seeks replies from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha secretariats

SC Questions Process in Justice Varma Impeachment

Top court flags lapses, seeks replies from Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha secretariats

December 16, 2025 | 16:27 IST