LS Speaker Initiates Removal Process of HC Judge
Why in the News ?
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla admitted a removal motion against Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court, constituting a three-member inquiry committee to probe corruption charges after burnt currency notes were found at his residence, as per the Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
Case Background and Removal Process:
- Accused Judge: Justice Yashwant Varma, Allahabad High Court; earlier served in Delhi High Court.
- Allegation: Burnt wads of currency notes discovered at his official residence on March 14.
- Initial Probe: In-house Supreme Court inquiry indicted him on corruption charges.
- Speaker’s Action:
- Motion signed by 146 MPs
- Three-member inquiry panel formed under Section 3(2) of Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968.
- Panel Members: Justice Aravind Kumar (SC), Justice Manindra Mohan Shrivastava (CJ, Madras HC), V. Acharya (Senior Advocate, Karnataka HC).
- Panel to submit report “as early as possible”.
- Pending Status: Proposal remains pending until the report is submitted.
Events Leading to Removal Motion
- March 2024: CJI Sanjiv Khanna received the in-house probe report; asked Justice Varma to resign or face impeachment.
- Judge’s Response: Refused to resign; moved Supreme Court against removal recommendation.
- SC Decision: Rejected his plea, clearing way for Parliamentary process.
- Speaker’s Statement: Emphasised unimpeachable character and financial integrity as foundations of judicial trust. Stressed zero tolerance to corruption and urged Parliament to act in unity.
- Next Step: Awaiting inquiry committee’s findings before final removal motion in Parliament.
Key Constitutional & Legal Provisions:● Articles Involved: ○ Article 124(4): Procedure for removal of Supreme Court judges (applies to HC via Article 217). ○ Article 217: Conditions of appointment and removal of High Court judges. ○ Article 218: Application of removal provisions to HC judges. ● Judges (Inquiry) Act, 1968: ○ Governs procedure for removal of SC/HC judges. ○ Requires Parliamentary motion supported by requisite members, followed by inquiry committee report. ● Grounds for Removal: Proven misbehavior or incapacity. ● Impeachment Process: After inquiry, motion must be passed by each House of Parliament with special majority. |
