New Delhi, 20 July: Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Sunday confirmed that over 100 Lok Sabha MPs have signed a notice to initiate a motion for the removal of Justice Yashwant Varma, marking a significant step in what could be a rare impeachment process against a sitting judge.
“The signature exercise is underway and it has crossed 100 already,” Rijiju told reporters after an all-party meeting ahead of Parliament’s Monsoon Session, which begins Monday. The support exceeds the constitutional requirement of at least 100 MPs in the Lok Sabha to introduce a motion for a judge’s removal.
The motion, aimed at addressing “corruption in the judiciary”, is likely to be tabled in the Lower House during this session. Rijiju added that the Business Advisory Committee (BAC) would decide the scheduling of the motion. “Until the matter is passed by the BAC with the Chair’s approval, it is difficult for me to make an announcement outside,” he said when asked about the timing.
Rijiju had earlier stated that the government was receiving backing across party lines for the impeachment. “All political parties are on board. Corruption in the judiciary is a serious concern. People go to court to seek justice—if the judiciary itself is compromised, the entire system collapses,” he told PTI.
The move comes after a controversial incident earlier this year, when emergency services responding to a fire at Justice Varma’s official residence discovered large quantities of burnt cash hidden in an outhouse. The episode triggered a judicial inquiry. A committee of three Delhi High Court judges, appointed by then Chief Justice of India Sanjeev Khanna, found Justice Varma culpable and recommended his removal.
After refusing to resign, Varma was repatriated to the Allahabad High Court and has since been relieved of judicial responsibilities. He has challenged the committee’s findings in the Supreme Court and denied all allegations.
The final decision on his removal will require approval from both Houses of Parliament by a two-thirds majority and the President’s assent. If carried out, this would mark a rare instance of judicial impeachment in India.
