CJI Steps Back Amid Justice Varma's Impeachment Plea Controversy

In a significant legal development, Chief Justice of India BR Gavai announced his decision to recuse himself from hearing the plea filed by Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma. Justice Varma is challenging the constitutionality of the impeachment procedure against him. The CJI cited his previous involvement in discussions related to the controversy as the reason for stepping aside.

The plea was mentioned today by Senior Advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Justice Varma. Highlighting the urgency, Sibal urged the Supreme Court for an immediate hearing. Justice Varma's petition disputes the recommendations by former CJI Sanjiv Khanna to proceed with impeachment, claiming a lack of fair opportunity to present his defense during the in-house committee inquiry.

Central to the controversy is a March 14 incident at Justice Varma's Delhi residence, where a fire led to a discovery of cash by firemen. Amid these allegations, Justice Varma argues that the committee's process was predetermined and the burden of proof was unfairly reversed. He seeks to declare the recommendation for his removal unconstitutional and void.

(With inputs from agencies.)