Supreme Court Rejects Plea: Misconduct Charge Stands Firm Against Judge Varma

The Supreme Court has rejected a plea by Allahabad High Court judge Yashwant Varma, who sought to invalidate an in-house inquiry report that found him guilty of misconduct. The inquiry was initiated after a huge cache of half-burnt cash was discovered at his official residence following a fire incident.

A bench comprising Justices Dipankar Datta and A G Masih indicated that Justice Varma's conduct failed to inspire confidence. His plea was dismissed, marking a significant setback for the judge embroiled in this controversy since March. The court upheld the legality of the inquiry report and the subsequent recommendation for Varma's impeachment.

The top court asserted that the in-house procedures followed were constitutionally sound despite not uploading certain video footage. Justice Varma retains the right to present his case during any future impeachment proceedings. The court also dismissed a related petition seeking an FIR against Varma for alleged misuse of court processes.

(With inputs from agencies.)