In a significant blow to Allahabad High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, the Supreme Court today dismissed his plea to invalidate an in-house inquiry panel’s report that found him guilty of misconduct in the high-profile cash discovery row. The bench, led by Justices Dipankar Datta and A G Masih, delivered a sharp critique, declaring that Justice Varma’s conduct “does not inspire confidence” and his plea lacked merit for consideration.
The court reaffirmed the legitimacy of the inquiry process, noting that the judges’ committee, appointed by the then Chief Justice of India (CJI), strictly adhered to established protocols. The panel’s report, which recommended Justice Varma’s removal, was duly forwarded to the Prime Minister and the President, a step the court upheld as constitutionally sound. The bench emphasized the CJI’s proactive role, stating that the office is not merely a “post office” but carries a profound responsibility to safeguard judicial integrity and serve the nation.
The cash discovery row, shrouded in controversy, involves allegations of financial impropriety linked to Justice Varma, though specific details remain under wraps due to the sensitive nature of the case. The inquiry’s findings have sparked intense scrutiny, raising questions about judicial accountability. Earlier hearings saw the Supreme Court caution Justice Varma, underscoring that his actions undermined public trust in the judiciary.
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This ruling marks a critical moment for India’s judiciary, reinforcing the importance of transparency and accountability at its highest levels. Legal experts view the decision as a strong affirmation of the mechanisms in place to address judicial misconduct. As the nation grapples with the implications, the verdict sends a clear message: no judge is above scrutiny. The fallout from the cash discovery row continues to reverberate, with the public and legal community closely watching the next steps in this unfolding saga.
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