Charges against Justice Varma 'proved' by inquiry committee over burnt currency discovery
A three-member inquiry committee, constituted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, found charges "proved" against former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. The charges relate to the discovery of burnt currency at his official residence. The committee concluded that Justice Varma's explanations were "evasive and unsatisfactory" and that material evidence was not properly secured. The report, tabled in Parliament, highlighted serious questions about integrity and conduct expected of a higher judiciary judge. The government may continue removal proceedings despite his resignation, which had commenced before he stepped down.
Key Points
- A Lok Sabha Speaker-constituted inquiry committee found charges against former Delhi High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma to be "proved".
- The charges stemmed from the discovery of burnt currency at his official residence, for which his explanations were deemed "evasive and unsatisfactory".
- The committee's report, tabled in Parliament, questioned the judge's integrity and conduct expected of a higher judiciary.
- Material evidence at the site was not properly secured or preserved, and the storeroom condition was disturbed before sealing.
- The government might proceed with removal proceedings initiated before his resignation.
Exam Facts
- Inquiry committee constituted by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla.
- Former Delhi High Court judge involved: Justice Yashwant Varma.
- Panel members included Supreme Court judge Justice Aravind Kumar (Chairperson), Bombay High Court CJ Justice Chandrashekhar, and Senior Advocate B.V. Acharya (Karnataka HC).
- The report was tabled in both Houses of Parliament.
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