Judicial Challenge: Judge Varma Fights Impeachment Process

Chief Justice of India BR Gavai has recused himself from hearing the plea brought by Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court. Justice Varma has challenged the constitutionality of the impeachment process initiated against him. CJI Gavai emphasized that involvement in previous discussions disqualified him from hearing the case, ensuring it would be assigned to another bench.

Justice Varma's plea arises from an in-house inquiry report recommending his impeachment following an alleged discovery of money at his residence. Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Justice Varma, pressed for an urgent hearing of the matter, highlighting procedural discrepancies in how the inquiry was conducted. Justice Varma claims he was denied the right to defend himself during the committee's proceedings.

The plea calls out the procedures employed as flawed and unconstitutional, stating the process violated due process and the separation of powers by bypassing parliamentary authority. Justice Varma sought the nullification of the inquiry's findings and any subsequent actions, claiming the recommendations extended beyond constitutional limits and deprived him of fundamental rights of defense.

(With inputs from agencies.)