New Delhi, Jan 16: The Supreme Court on Friday dismissed a plea filed by Allahabad High Court Justice Yashwant Varma challenging the constitution of a three member inquiry committee by Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla, which was set up to probe allegations against him under the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
A bench of Justices Dipankar Datta and Satish Chandra Sharma pronounced the verdict, stating, “We hold that the petitioner is not entitled to any relief in the present case.” The bench had reserved its judgment last week after hearing detailed arguments from all parties.
Justice Varma’s plea contended that the Speaker acted unilaterally in constituting the committee despite simultaneous impeachment notices being moved in both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. He argued that the proviso to Section 3(2) of the Judges (Inquiry) Act requires joint action of the Speaker and the Rajya Sabha Chairman when notices are filed on the same day.
The Lok Sabha Secretariat, however, opposed the plea, noting that the Rajya Sabha did not admit the motion, as the Deputy Chairman rejected it on August 11, 2025, following the resignation of the then Chairman and Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar in July. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta argued that the proviso’s purpose is only to prevent the constitution of separate committees for the same allegations and that the Speaker acted within his powers.
Justice Varma has faced scrutiny since burnt currency was allegedly discovered in an outhouse of his official residence in March 2025 while he served as a Delhi High Court judge. An in house Supreme Court inquiry concluded that he exercised “secret or active control” over the cash, prompting then Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna to recommend initiation of removal proceedings.
Notices for impeachment, supported by 145 Lok Sabha members and 63 Rajya Sabha members, were moved in July 2025. Following this, the Lok Sabha Speaker constituted the three member inquiry committee, a decision now upheld by the Supreme Court.
The court’s verdict reinforces parliamentary authority in conducting impeachment proceedings and rejects Justice Varma’s claims that the process violates procedural norms.