Judicial Accountability: Allahabad HC Judge Resignation Amidst Inquiry into Unaccounted Cash
Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma resigned following an inquiry into unaccounted cash found at his Delhi residence in 2025. The Supreme Court Collegium repatriated him, and an in-house committee found 'covert or active control' over the cash, recommending impeachment. The Law Ministry reported 8,630 complaints against judges between 2016-2025, but details on actions taken are scarce, leading to calls for greater transparency. Activists argue that judicial corruption is difficult to address due to opacity and lack of effective mechanisms, with even impeachment requiring political will. The article also touches upon a related controversy where an NCERT textbook referencing 'corruption in the judiciary' was withdrawn.
Key Points
- Justice Yashwant Varma resigned following an inquiry into unaccounted cash found at his residence.
- The Supreme Court Collegium initiated an in-house inquiry, which recommended impeachment.
- Concerns about opacity in handling complaints against judges and lack of effective accountability mechanisms were raised.
- The Law Ministry reported 8,630 complaints against judges between 2016-2025, but details on outcomes are limited.
- An NCERT textbook chapter on 'corruption in the judiciary' was withdrawn after a suo motu cognizance by the Supreme Court.
Exam Facts
- Justice Yashwant Varma of Allahabad High Court.
- Article 124(4) of the Constitution and Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968, govern impeachment.
- Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal reported 8,630 complaints against judges (2016-2025).
- CPGRAMS (Centralised Public Grievance Redress and Monitoring System) is mentioned for routing complaints.
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