Bipartisan Coalition Moves Against Allahabad High Court Judge
In a rare show of unity, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday cleared the way for an impeachment motion against Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court. The motion, backed by 146 parliamentarians from both the ruling and opposition benches, marks one of the few bipartisan efforts in recent history aimed at probing alleged corruption within the higher judiciary.

Fire Incident Sparks Investigation
The controversy traces back to a dramatic incident on March 14, 2025, when a fire broke out at Justice Varma’s official residence in Delhi, where he was then on a visit to the Delhi High Court. While the blaze was swiftly contained, firefighters reportedly discovered a bag in the judge’s storeroom containing partially burnt ₹500 currency notes.

Justice Varma has denied any wrongdoing, claiming the cash was planted as part of a conspiracy to frame him. Nevertheless, the discovery triggered widespread suspicion and public debate.

Transfer Fails to Quell Public Doubt
Two weeks later, on March 28, Justice Varma was transferred to the Allahabad High Court—a move that did little to ease the controversy. Speaker Birla has since constituted a high-powered inquiry panel comprising Supreme Court Justice Arvind Kumar, senior advocate B.B. Acharya of the Karnataka High Court, and Madras High Court Chief Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava. The committee’s findings will determine whether the impeachment motion proceeds in Parliament.

Rare Procedure in Indian Judicial History
The impeachment of a High Court or Supreme Court judge in India is exceptionally rare and involves a complex process requiring passage in both Houses of Parliament. The investigation committee—typically made up of senior judges and eminent jurists—must submit its report before any voting can take place.

Mounting Questions Over Judicial Accountability
The central question remains: how did such a large sum of cash end up in the judge’s residence? Critics argue that Justice Varma’s defence, that he never kept cash at home, fails to answer the mounting allegations. Supporters, however, warn against rushing to judgment without conclusive proof.

The case is now being closely watched across legal and political circles, as it could set a precedent in the realm of judicial accountability and transparency in India’s higher courts.

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